Do Tree Removal Companies Need to be Licensed?

Are There Regulations for Trimming or Removing Trees Near Power Lines? Introduction "Touch a power line with a tree limb? You could knock out power—or worse." Every year, tree-related outages cost U.S. utilities billions. For homeowners, it's not just about avoiding a blackout. It's about safety, legal responsibility, and knowing when to step aside and call the pros. If you're in Farmington, CT, or anywhere with overhead utility lines, you might be wondering: Can I trim that tree near the wires? Or, Who’s responsible if a tree causes damage? Let’s break down the rules and best practices to keep your property safe and your conscience clear. Why Trees and Power Lines Don’t Mix Tree limbs and power lines are a risky combo. Branches can sway in the wind and brush against wires. In storms, entire trees can fall, tearing down live lines and sparking fires or electrocutions. Even slow-growing limbs can cause power interruptions or equipment damage over time. The result? Power outages, property damage, and in some cases—serious injuries. Who's Responsible for Tree Maintenance Near Power Lines? Here’s where it gets a little tricky. Responsibility depends on the type of power line and where the tree is located. Primary lines (those high-voltage ones on top of the pole): These are maintained by the utility company. You should never attempt to trim trees near these lines yourself. Secondary lines (lower-voltage lines that run from poles to homes): These may fall under the homeowner’s responsibility, but you still need to check with your utility provider before taking action. Service drops (the wire that connects to your house): Homeowners are typically responsible for tree limbs touching this line, but trimming near any live wire should always be handled by professionals. In Farmington, Eversource Energy is the main utility provider. They routinely monitor and trim trees near primary lines and will notify residents in advance. If you spot a hazard, call them—don’t take matters into your own hands. What Does the Law Say in Connecticut? Connecticut state law grants utility companies the authority to trim or remove trees within their right-of-way to maintain safety and reliability. However, they usually notify property owners before performing any non-emergency work. Municipal Regulations : Some towns, including Farmington, may require permits for significant tree removals, especially if the tree is on or near public property. Tree Warden Oversight : Public shade trees are managed by the town's Tree Warden. You must get approval before removing or trimming a town-owned tree. Bottom line? Don’t assume you can chop without asking. Always check local ordinances and consult with the town before doing any work near a right-of-way or street tree. Why DIY Isn’t Worth the Risk Trimming trees near power lines isn’t just dangerous. It can also be illegal. One wrong move can lead to: Electrocution Utility outages Fines or legal action Personal liability for damage or injury Even using a metal ladder or pole saw near a line could result in serious injury. Unless the work is clearly on a safe, isolated part of your tree and well away from wires, call a licensed, insured tree service that’s trained in electrical safety. How We Handle Trees Near Power Lines At our tree service company in Farmington, we adhere to strict safety protocols when working around power lines: We assess the tree and location thoroughly Coordinate with utility companies when necessary Use insulated tools and bucket trucks for safe access Follow ANSI safety standards and OSHA regulations You never have to guess whether a tree is too close to handle. We’ll let you know exactly what can be done and handle any permitting or coordination with the town or utility company. Final Thoughts If a tree on your property is growing near power lines, don’t ignore it—but don’t try to handle it yourself either. Between legal requirements and safety concerns, this is one job best left to the experts. Still not sure where to start? Give us a call. We’ll walk your property, assess the situation, and make sure your trees stay healthy and your power stays on—safely. Need help with a tree near a power line in Farmington? Let’s talk. Our certified team over at Fleet Farmington Tree Service is ready to keep your yard safe and stress-free.

How Do I Know if a Tree is Dead or Just Dormant? "A mature tree can add up to 10% to your property value," according to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. But what if that tree in your yard hasn’t budded, dropped its leaves early, or just… looks off? Is it dead? Or is it simply taking a seasonal nap? Here’s the challenge: Dead trees can be dangerous—and expensive. They drop limbs without warning, attract pests, and become major liabilities during storms. But cutting down a tree that’s still alive? That’s a costly mistake too. This guide will show you how to spot the difference. We’ll walk through real signs of life, subtle red flags, and when it’s time to bring in an expert. Don’t guess. Let’s get into the details and protect your property the smart way. Visual Cues: What to Look For First Start with the obvious. Walk up to your tree and look closely. Are the branches brittle? Snap one off. If it breaks clean with a dry, gray interior—like a twig—you may be dealing with a dead branch. But here’s the trick: that doesn't always mean the whole tree is gone. Check several branches on different sides. If they all snap the same way, that’s not a good sign. Look for buds. Dormant trees often hold onto tiny buds even in the heart of winter. They're small, firm, and tightly closed. A dead tree? No buds. Just bare twigs and silence. Scratch Test: Fast and Easy This one’s quick. Grab your fingernail or a small knife. Pick a thin branch and lightly scratch the bark. What you want to see is green just beneath the surface—that’s the cambium layer. Green means life. No green? Try a few more spots. Still nothing? The branch (and possibly the tree) may be dead. Pro tip: Start with the smaller twigs and work your way inward. Sometimes a tree is only partially dead—especially after a harsh winter or drought. Leaf Behavior: Timing is Everything Dead trees don’t leaf out. But dormant ones just wait until the time is right. If it's early spring and your tree hasn’t budded yet, don’t panic. Some species—like oaks and hickories—are naturally slow to wake up. Compare it to other trees of the same type in your neighborhood. Are they showing signs of life? If yours is the only one lagging behind, it's worth taking a closer look. On the flip side, if a tree drops its leaves too early in the fall—or not at all—it could be in trouble. Leaves clinging through winter often signal disease or death, especially in deciduous species. Signs That Lean Toward Trouble Not every symptom is subtle. Some trees practically scream for help: Mushrooms at the base : Fungal growth, especially shelf mushrooms or conks, is a red flag. It usually means internal decay. Peeling or cracked bark : If large sections are falling off and not growing back, that’s a sign the tree isn’t healing—or living. Large dead branches in the crown : This is more than an eyesore. It’s a sign of decline. Leaning or shifting : If the tree is suddenly leaning or roots are lifting, its structural integrity may be compromised. Act fast. When to Call in the Pros Still not sure? Don’t go at it alone. Arborists have specialized tools and training to assess tree health with precision. They’ll check root health, look for internal decay, and even use resistograph tools or sonic tomography for an inside look—without cutting the tree down. A certified arborist can also help you decide whether the tree is salvageable or if tree removal is needed. Sometimes, a bit of deep watering and pruning can bring a tree back from the brink. Why It Matters Leaving a dead tree standing is risky. One strong storm, and it could fall—on your home, car, or worse. According to the U.S. Forest Service, tree failures cause hundreds of injuries and millions in property damage each year. But misdiagnosing a tree and removing it too early isn’t ideal either—especially when mature trees take decades to replace and significantly boost curb appeal. That’s why this question— “Is it dead or just dormant?” —matters more than people think. Takeaways You Can Use Today Let’s wrap it up with a quick checklist: ✅ Do the scratch test ✅ Inspect for buds, bark condition, and overall shape ✅ Compare timing with similar trees in your area ✅ Watch for fungi, dead limbs, or shifting posture ✅ Call a pro if you're unsure And remember, a dormant tree is just sleeping. A dead one, however, needs to be dealt with quickly and safely.

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