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Fri 7 Aug, 2020 05:53 am
If a particular tree is sufficiently high that if it were to fall, it would tear down nearby utility lines, is it the property owner's responsibility to trim his tree?
Is it the utility's responsibility?
@gollum,
If it is not actively interfering with the lines, I think it is no one's responsibility unless the tree is dead. If a tree is knocked down by a storm, it is considered an "act of God" and no one is liable. I live in hurricane country and if my tree falls on your fence during a storm, you are responsible for your fence and cleanup of the debris on your property. If the tree is dead and the owner doesn't take care of it, that is a different issue.
It might be different in your state. Here is an article on how NC handles it:
https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/09/comment-on-tree-fall-liability/
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