Will FPL trim a tree near my power line for free?

FPL clears around its lines on a schedule and doesn't charge for it, but it won't trim every tree. If a tree within 10 feet of a line isn't on FPL's list, FPL says it's the customer's responsibility to hire a qualified trimmer. A tree touching a line and sparking should be reported to 1-800-4OUTAGE right away.

Why did FPL leave my tree in a V shape?

That's directional pruning. FPL's contractors remove the interior branches growing toward the lines and cut back to the trunk, so new growth heads away from the wires. FPL says the roots still anchor the tree, so its stability isn't affected. To reshape it for looks, FPL suggests hiring a private contractor after its crew finishes.

Who handles branches around the cable and phone lines?

Not FPL. On the pole, the power lines sit at the top and the cable television and phone lines run lower down. FPL tells customers to contact the cable and phone companies about trimming requirements or problems with their lines. Treat every overhead wire as live until someone qualified says otherwise.

Tree Trimming Near Power Lines in Pompano Beach, FL

Keep-away distance: FPL says stay at least 10 feet from main and neighborhood lines and 30 feet from transmission lines, counting any tool you hold.
FPL's own cycle: free of charge, with main lines cleared about every 3 years and neighborhood lines about every 6.
Your share: a tree within 10 feet of a line that FPL doesn't trim is the owner's to have trimmed by a qualified tree trimmer.
Cost on private jobs: cost guides add 25% to 50% for a removal in a tight or risky spot, especially near power lines.

Pompano Beach Tree Care helps you sort out who trims near the wires, then sends the part that falls to you to one local contractor. The referral is free. Work close to energized lines belongs to trained line-clearance crews, and FPL is clear that homeowners shouldn't attempt it at all.

Tree Trimming Near Power Lines, by Type of Line

Single overhead service wire running from a wooden utility pole to the roofline of a stucco house, passing through the branches of a shade tree

The Service Drop to the House

FPL's own diagrams call this wire the service drop, running from the pole to the house. FPL trims trees near lines in the public right of way or easement, and its brochure says customers share responsibility for keeping lines clear and should hire a qualified professional for vegetation near lines on their property. Who trims around it can depend on where the line runs, so call FPL first and ask how it handles the drop at your address before anyone climbs.

Bucket truck crew trimming a tree away from overhead primary power lines on a residential street, branches cut back to the trunk on the line side

Primary Lines on Poles

The lines along the street on tall poles are FPL's to clear, on a cycle: main feeders about every three years and neighborhood laterals about every six. FPL sends a letter roughly two weeks before crews arrive, or leaves a door card if a tree needs attention between cycles. Its crews follow ANSI pruning guidelines and OSHA's training rules for line-clearance work.

Tall coconut palm whose fronds reach close to overhead power lines along a backyard fence, a utility pole nearby

Palms Growing Into Wires

Palms get their own line in FPL's guidance. Its planting guide recommends setting a large palm back from lines by its maximum frond length plus 20 feet, and its safety page lists picking fruit among the jobs that call for staying far from the wires. FPL removes select palms and fast-growing trees that can't be managed by pruning. For frond rules on palms away from lines, see palm tree trimming.

Tree with limbs tangled in overhead lines beside a house, a bucket truck parked at the curb and orange cones on the street

Removing a Tree That Has Reached the Lines

When a tree can't be pruned clear of FPL's lines without wrecking its shape or health, FPL removes it, after notifying the owner and asking consent. A private removal near lines is a different job. OSHA keeps unqualified workers and anything they hold 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV, and a crane and its load must stay 20 feet away unless other safety steps are taken; see crane tree removal. Angi notes that removing a large tree near power lines can pass $10,000.

Gloved arborist tapping a live oak trunk with a grey mallet to listen for decay, clipboard under one arm

Why Pompano Beach homeowners call Pompano Beach Tree Care

One independent local tree crew per request
Price, cleanup and haul-away in writing first
Ask for insurance proof and an ISA arborist
Free to call; you pay the crew only for work you OK

Who Trims Near Power Lines: FPL or the Owner

Trees FPL leaves
FPL picks the trees that threaten its lines and equipment. Any other tree within 10 feet of a line is the customer's to handle, through a qualified tree trimmer.
Shaping for looks
FPL only trims for line clearance. For anything aesthetic, it suggests a private contractor once its crew is done.
Cleanup
Debris from scheduled line clearing is collected, usually by the end of the next day. After named storms, FPL clears only what blocks its equipment and leaves the rest where it fell.
Sparking or a line down
Stay far back and call 911 or FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).

What to Ask a Private Crew Before Work Near the Lines

FPL tells customers to check that any contractor working near lines is insured and follows the applicable laws and permits. Ask for proof of insurance, then a few questions that sort out who should be up there.

Line-clearance training
Ask whether the climbers are trained as line-clearance workers under OSHA 1910.269, or whether they'll keep 10 feet from the lines and leave the rest to FPL.
Coordination with FPL
Ask whether the job needs FPL to make the line safe first, and who calls.
Pruning method
Ask whether cuts go back to a branch or the trunk, the way FPL's directional pruning does, instead of stubbing.
Haul-away
Ask whether removing the cut wood is in the price.

See tree trimming for pruning on trees well away from any wires.