Power Lines & Trees in San Antonio: What Homeowners Are (and Aren’t) Responsible For

Few things stress homeowners faster than a tree growing too close to the lines. You don’t want a surprise outage. You definitely don’t want a fire risk. And you really don’t want to find out you trimmed the wrong thing, the wrong way, at the wrong time. Here’s the simple, homeowner-friendly guide we give our San Antonio clients so you can stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your trees looking like trees—not “flat tops.”

First, Know the Players

• Utility company: Maintains clearance for primary distribution lines (the high lines on the street or alley). They usually trim on a schedule and after storms.

• Homeowner: You’re typically responsible for vegetation on your property, especially around service drops (the lower line that runs from the pole to your house), and branches near your roof, driveway, or fence.

• Us (your tree pros): We handle safe, compliant trimming and removals around both service drops and street-side lines—with utility coordination when required.

Not sure what’s what? During our Tree Trimming visits, we’ll identify your lines and explain who handles what so there’s no confusion.

Safe Distance Basics (So You Don’t Tempt Fate)

Every tree and line configuration is different, but these are practical, homeowner-friendly guidelines:

• Keep branches well clear of the service drop (the line to your house). A windy day shouldn’t put limbs within swatting distance of that wire.

• Aim for natural, directional pruning, not topping. We reduce or redirect limbs away from lines and rooflines to preserve the tree’s structure and health.

• Plan for growth. Don’t leave a “barely safe” gap in spring that will be gone by August. We trim with the next season in mind.

What NOT to Do (Please)

• Don’t DIY near energized lines. Even the service drop is dangerous. We’ve seen ladders, pole saws, and well-meaning weekend projects end badly.

• Don’t “flat top” a canopy. Topping creates weak sprouts that grow back fast—straight toward the lines again—and increases breakage risk.

• Don’t let vines climb into wires. Vines are sneaky, and after a storm they become heavy, wet “drag lines.” Call us early.

How We Trim Around Power Lines (Without Butchering the Tree)

Homeowners often assume there are only two options: unsafe or ugly. Not true. Our certified team uses clearance strategies that keep the tree healthy and the lines safe:

Directional pruning (a.k.a. “growth with a plan”)

We prune to side limbs that guide future growth away from the lines. It keeps the tree balanced and reduces the need for frequent corrective cuts.

Clearance that still looks natural

We aim for graduated space around the line, not a harsh tunnel. Your tree shouldn’t look like it lost a bet.

Storm-smart structure

We thin where appropriate to reduce wind sail (especially on live oaks) and remove weak unions that love to fail during a microburst.

When removal is the right call (e.g., an unstable tree directly under primary lines), we’ll explain why and handle it safely with step-by-step rigging. If utilities need to drop or “make safe” a line for work, we coordinate that, too. Start with a Same-Day

Assessment and we’ll map the safest path.

Who Calls the Utility—and When?

• Primary lines on the street: If a branch is currently on a primary line or sparking, call the utility immediately before anyone touches anything. Then call our 24/7 Emergency Tree Removal team; we’ll coordinate next steps.

• Service drop to your house: Call us first. We’ll assess and, if needed, request a temporary drop or standby from the utility so we can work safely.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until a storm is already in the forecast. Schedule proactive Tree Trimming in spring or early summer so you’re not competing with a hundred emergency calls later.

Real-Life Scenario: Stone Oak After the Wind Burst

A homeowner in Stone Oak called us after a fast wind burst bent a live oak limb toward the service drop. No sparks—just too close for comfort. We scheduled a same-day visit, contacted the utility for a quick standby, performed directional reductions on the offending scaffold limb, and cleaned up structural issues elsewhere in the canopy. The limb relaxed away from the line, the canopy still looked natural, and the homeowner slept that night without checking the window every time the wind gusted.

The Small-Yard Problem (and the Fix)

Newer neighborhoods in San Antonio tend to have tighter setbacks. If your tree is crammed between the sidewalk, driveway, and overhead wires, we’ll talk strategy:

• Species reality check: Some trees will always fight the lines.

• Crown size vs. space: You might “win” for two seasons, then lose rapidly.

• Long-term plan: We can maintain for a while, but if removal is the honest recommendation, we’ll say so—and help you replant something that fits.

When removal is needed, our Tree Removal team handles it with minimal disruption and meticulous cleanup. We’ll also grind the stump (Stump Grinding) and prep the area for replanting the right species and size.

What Trees Play Nicest With Lines?

Every block is different, but for replanting under or near service lines, we look for:

• Mature height that stays below the lines

• Strong branch structure

• Non-aggressive roots

Ask during your Certified Arborist Consultation and we’ll give you options that match SA soils and your sun exposure.

Insurance & HOA Notes (The Stuff People Ask at Dinnertime)

• Insurance: If a limb hits a line and damages service equipment on your house, your carrier may ask for documentation. We photograph before/after and note pre-existing risks so you have a paper trail.

• HOAs: Many HOAs require trees to be maintained but not mutilated. Our pruning plans keep you compliant and your canopy attractive. Need a letter? We provide them.

Simple Seasonal Plan (So You’re Never in Panic Mode)

Late winter / early spring:

• Walk your yard. If growth is approaching the line, book Tree Trimming before spring storms.

• Skip topping; request structural/directional pruning.

Summer (heat dome days):

• Watch for droop and storm cracks after sudden gusts.

• Call for a quick check if a branch shifts toward the line.

Fall:

• Schedule pruning touch-ups so you’re ready for winter fronts.

Anytime something snaps or sags:

• Call 24/7 Emergency Tree Removal. We pick up day or night.

FAQs We Hear on the Phone

Can you trim my tree around the service line today?

Often, yes. We can provide a Same-Day Assessment and, if needed, coordinate with the utility to work safely.

Will the utility trim my tree for free?

Sometimes for primary lines on the street, on their schedule. For service drops and most aesthetic or structural trims, that responsibility is typically yours.

Will my tree look butchered after clearance?

Not the way we do it. We prioritize natural form with directional cuts that guide growth away from risk.

What if my neighbor’s tree is the problem?

We’re happy to talk through neighbor-friendly options and provide a clear, written plan everyone can agree on.

Ready for Peace of Mind?

If your tree is flirting with the power lines—or you just want an honest, professional plan that keeps everyone safe—reach out. We’re local, we’re certified, and we’re known for clean work that protects both your property and the canopy you love.