Trees Near Power Lines in Western Montana: Who Is Responsible?

Which wire is the tree actually near?

Stand back and follow the wires. The lines running from pole to pole along the road or the back lot line are the utility's distribution system. The single line that leaves a pole and runs to your house or shop is the service line, sometimes called the service drop. The two are treated differently, and most of the confusion about who trims comes from mixing them up.

It also matters whose customer you are. Three names appear on power bills in this area: NorthWestern Energy, Missoula Electric Cooperative and Ravalli Electric Co-op. Your bill tells you which one to call. Their published policies are not identical, so the sections below take them one at a time.

What does NorthWestern Energy say it trims?

NorthWestern Energy's tree trimming page states that the company is responsible for pruning and removing trees that affect the overhead lines running pole to pole on its distribution system. It says qualified line clearance contractors do the work, that vegetation in most areas is pruned on a five year cycle, and that it ideally maintains about 12 feet of clearance between branches and its facilities.

The same page says there is no cost to customers for pruning or removal done under its vegetation management program. A certified utility forester evaluates the trees first, and the company says it makes every effort to give notice by door hanger, phone call, mailed notice or a visit. Ribbon or spray paint on a tree usually relates to planned removal work. The page also states that Montana law authorizes the company to manage vegetation near its lines when needed for safe, reliable service.

Who is responsible for the line that runs to the house?

On this point NorthWestern Energy is direct: property owners are responsible for trees that affect the service line from the utility pole to a home or business. That is the limb over the driveway that brushes the line to the meter, and it is the situation homeowners most often call us about.

To make that work safe, NorthWestern Energy says it offers a free disconnect and reconnect so the tree service you hire can work without an energized line in the way. Its page gives 888-467-2669 as the number to call, at least three business days before the work is planned. Tell your tree service the date as soon as it is confirmed, because the crew schedule and the disconnect have to line up. Our tree work near power lines page explains how we plan around that window.

What do Missoula Electric and Ravalli Electric publish?

Missoula Electric Cooperative describes a maintenance program that inspects its entire system pole to pole every two years, with right-of-way crews trimming or removing vegetation inside the right-of-way. Its page asks members a plain question: could any tree on your property affect a power line? If so, it says to call, because its right-of-way crew is available to remove or trim trees that are growing toward or leaning on its lines. The co-op says it notifies members by phone or mail when scheduled work is required.

Ravalli Electric Co-op's wildfire mitigation page says its crews inspect, maintain and clear vegetation near power lines throughout the year, and it names high winds, heavy snow and ice storms in the Bitterroot Valley as reasons branches end up in lines. It explains that most work happens inside the established right-of-way, but that trees outside it may also need attention if they could fall into the lines.

Neither co-op page we loaded spells out the service line question or a disconnect procedure the way NorthWestern Energy's does. If you are a co-op member with a tree near the line to your house, call the co-op office and ask before assuming either answer.

What counts as a hazard tree to a utility?

Ravalli Electric defines a hazard tree as any tree that could fall or drop large branches onto power lines because it is dead or dying, structurally damaged, root compromised or storm damaged, and adds that even healthy-looking trees can be hazards depending on location and condition. NorthWestern Energy says trees are sometimes removed because they pose a hazard to the public or the power system, and that it will discuss replacement options with the owner.

That definition is close to what an arborist looks for in any yard. If you are unsure whether a tree is leaning more than it used to, our guide to the signs a tree is about to fail covers the warning signs, and a tree health and risk assessment puts a trained eye on it.

How do you ask a utility to look at a tree?

Call the utility on your bill and describe which line the tree is near. NorthWestern Energy asks customers to contact it if a tree is touching a power line or appears to need attention, and tells people never to prune or remove a tree near a power line themselves. Missoula Electric asks members to call about trees that could affect its lines and reminds them that only qualified workers are allowed within ten feet of an energized line.

If the utility finds that the tree is on your side of the responsibility line, that is when a private tree service comes in. Ask whoever you hire about line-clearance qualification specifically. Our guide to hiring an ISA Certified Arborist in Montana explains what the credentials mean.

What happens to the wood after a utility crew leaves?

NorthWestern Energy says branches and small debris are chipped and hauled away, and that wood larger than 6 inches in diameter is cut into manageable lengths and left for the property owner. So a utility removal can leave you with a pile of rounds in the yard. Our guide to firewood and wood chips after tree removal covers what to do with them.

How far from the lines should a new tree go?

NorthWestern Energy's planting page says to base the distance on the mature size of the tree: if power lines are overhead, plan to plant roughly 20 feet away, and a tree that matures at 20 feet should sit 20 feet from nearby lines. It also advises planting at least 25 feet from the flags that mark underground natural gas lines and at least 10 feet from the front of a ground-level transformer.

Missoula Electric puts it as planting large, fast-growing trees so that they are at least ten feet from the lines when fully grown. Both utilities tell you to call 811 for a free locate at least two business days before digging. For species that suit a tight spot, see our list of the best trees to plant in western Montana.

What should you never do yourself?

Do not prune, climb or cut a tree that is touching or close to an energized line, and do not pull a fallen limb off a wire. NorthWestern Energy's page says that if a tree or branch touches a power line you should keep yourself and others away and call 911, and that removing a fallen tree or branch from a line could seriously injure or kill you. Ravalli Electric says never to approach or touch a downed line and to report damaged equipment immediately.

HJ's crews hold line-clearance certification, but anything touching a line is still the utility's call first. Once the utility has cleared or de-energized the line, our tree services team can prune or remove what is left. More local guides are collected in the Montana Tree Guide.

Call HJ Property Care & Tree Service at (406) 215-7319 or request a tree assessment and an ISA Certified Arborist will look at the tree with you.

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