Austin Energy currently trims limbs on fast growing trees to keep them 15’ from power lines, and limbs on slow growing trees to 10’ from power lines. These clearances are intended to keep the trees away from power lines for 7 years. However, if you have trees on your property that are within 10′ of a power line and don’t think it’s safe to wait until your trees’ next trimming cycle, file a Tree Trimming Request form to let Austin Energy know your trees need service now. Don’t try to trim them yourself and don’t hire someone to trim them for you.
You can fill out the request form online at https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1661182-Z4LePmavF1. If you prefer, you can telephone Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 and make the request. If you’re renting, you’ll need to ask your landlord to file the request.
If you see sparks or a limb pulling down a power line from either pole or house, whether it’s on your property or not, that’s an emergency. Report it to 911.
If you see trees needing to be trimmed located within 10’ of a power line (not an emergency and not on your property), report the location to 311.
Thank you to NSCNA Director Ayesha Badar for telling me about requesting out-of-cycle tree trimming via a Tree Trimming Request form. To learn more about Austin Energy’s tree related policies and procedures, go to https://austinenergy.com/residential/residential-services/tree-trimming. You’ll find a link to the Tree Trimming Request Form in the upper right corner of that page too.
Sharon Justice, Chair, NSCNA Media Committee
