Trees & Landscaping

Utility Trees

A Utility Tree Inspector is responsible for the inspection of all trees reported to be encroaching on utility lines. However, Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) is responsible for the operation, maintenance and construction of electric lines and equipment.

An inspector determines if trees or landscaping materials are growing too close to electric lines and equipment. If they are, line clearance crews are dispatched to remove any encroaching growth. If a hazard exists, line clearance crews are dispatched immediately to trim or to remove the encroaching growth to mitigate safety hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your question? Ask us by calling 951-826-5311.

• What happens if a tree or vegetation grows too close to power lines?
• What if I see a tree growing too close to a power line?
• What if I see an emergency situation such as a fallen branch on a wire, sparks from a line or a broken line?
• What lines are maintained by the city?
• Can I trim a city tree?
• How can I tell if there is a clearance issue?
• Is there a fee for trimming vegetation?
• Can I trim the vegetation myself?
• Will the city trim private vegetation encroaching on power lines?

What happens if a tree or vegetation grows too close to power lines?

State law requires utility companies to maintain specific clearances between electric power lines and all vegetation. Failure to allow the City of Riverside to comply with the law can result in liability to the homeowner for damages or injuries resulting from a tree or a vegetation hazard.

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What if I see a tree growing too close to a power line?

Any tree in the City of Riverside (including a neighbor’s tree) growing into power lines or wires can be reported to the Trees & Landscaping Division for inspection and trimming. Contact the 311 Call Center to report a non-emergency situation.

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What if I see an emergency situation such as a fallen branch on a wire, sparks from a line or a broken line?

Contact the 311 Call Center immediately to report an emergency situation. If a fire has started, dial 911 to report the fire and its source.

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What lines are maintained by the city?

The city is responsible for clearance of primary and secondary lines. These lines run from pole to pole. If a city tree is encroaching on a service drop line (the line running from the pole to the residence), the city is responsible for trimming the tree. However, if a private tree is encroaching on the service drop line, the property owner is responsible to maintain the clearance. The city will trim any hazardous encroachment immediately. If the hazard is caused by private vegetation encroachment, the property owner will be billed for the costs associated with the trimming. The city is not responsible for cable television or phone line clearances.

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Can I trim a city tree?

You may not trim a city tree without a permit. The city will allow you to hire your own licensed contractor through a no fee permit process provided the City tree inspector agrees with the trimming needs of the tree. You can also pay to have the City contractor trim the tree through our Resi-pay program by contacting the 311 Call Center. The typical cost for trimming trees with our Resi-pay program in the public right of way is $95.00. Please call for more information.

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How can I tell if there is a clearance issue?

Any vegetation that is touching a power line is an issue. However, distances from a power line can be difficult to judge. If there is a concern residents have the right to have the Urban Forestry Utility Tree Inspector check for clearance issues. Contact the (dial 311) to request an inspection..

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Is there a fee for trimming vegetation?

If the vegetation is interfering with the power lines running from pole to pole, the city will trim the vegetation at no cost to the property owner. If the vegetation is on private property and is interfering with the power line running from the pole to the residence, the property owner is responsible to maintain clearance.

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Can I trim the vegetation myself?

Residents must never prune trees near electric lines unless they contact the Public Utilities Customer Service Division to have their service temporarily disconnected. Customer Service can be reached by calling (951) 782-0330. Residents may not trim a city tree without a permit. The city will allow you to hire your own licensed contractor through a no fee permit process, provided the staff agrees with the trimming needs of the tree.

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Will the city trim private vegetation encroaching on power lines?

Yes. Once the inspection has been completed, the property owner will be notified of any responsibility they may have for clearance. The owner will be given options including using the city’s contractor.

 

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