Power Line Clearance 101 in Houston: What CenterPoint Expects (and How to Stay Safe)

Fall storms + an active weather season = more limbs in lines, more outages, and more safety risks. If you’ve got trees anywhere near overhead electric lines in Greater Houston, here’s the must-know playbook—what CenterPoint Energy looks for, who trims what, how far to plant, and when to call for help.

The three kinds of overhead lines (and why they matter)

• Transmission lines (the really tall towers): No trees in the right-of-way, and no tall trees near the edge. These corridors are kept tree-free for reliability and safety.

• Distribution lines (neighborhood poles, usually at the street): CenterPoint’s rule of thumb is 10 feet of clearance from vegetation. Expect utility crews to prune for that space.

• Service drops (the smaller wire from pole to your home): Don’t plant trees beneath them; keep branches away and plan future growth so nothing ever reaches the wire.

Safety baseline for everyone: Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines—including anything you’re holding (ladders, tools, saws). If a line is down, stay far back and call 911, then the utility.

Who trims what in Houston?

• CenterPoint trims for safety & reliability on primary distribution and transmission lines. Work is performed by contracted utility arborists following industry standards.

• Homeowners handle private trees that are not endangering lines—and are responsible for choosing/planting the right species and calling before issues develop. If you think a tree is within ~10 feet of a line, request an inspection and CenterPoint will determine if trimming is needed now or scheduled in a future cycle.

Never DIY near energized lines. Even professionals must coordinate with the utility when work is close to conductors. Recent incidents show how unforgiving mistakes can be.

Planting & spacing: “Right tree, right place”

Planning a new tree? Use these utility-friendly rules to avoid future conflicts:

• Under/near distribution lines: Select short-maturing species and site them so the mature canopy stays >10 ft away from conductors.

• Under service drops: Do not plant trees beneath the wire path. Shift the planting location or choose a small ornamental well off to the side.

• Around green transformer boxes (underground service): Keep vegetation clear for access—generally 10 feet in front and several feet on the sides/back so crews can work safely.

When to call CenterPoint (or a pro)

• You see a tree touching or within ~10 feet of lines. Request a utility inspection/trim.

• A storm-damaged limb is hung up near wires. Keep everyone back and contact the utility first.

• You’re planning major pruning near lines. Coordinate with the utility; don’t hire anyone to work in the wires without a utility clearance plan.

What CenterPoint crews look for (so you’re not surprised)

• Minimum clearances for safe operation (about 10 ft on distribution).

• Growth rates—fast growers and palms can quickly invade lines and may be pruned more heavily or removed if they chronically conflict.

• Access—transformers, poles, and equipment must remain reachable for emergency and routine work.

Homeowner safety do’s & don’ts

• Do keep ladders, tools, and saws well away from lines (10-ft minimum).

• Don’t try to remove storm debris tangled in wires—treat all lines as energized.

• Do plan new trees with mature size in mind so future pruning is minimal.

FAQs

Will CenterPoint trim my backyard tree?

If it threatens primary distribution/transmission reliability or safety, yes—on their maintenance cycle or sooner if hazardous. If it’s outside that zone, routine pruning is a homeowner service.

What if limbs are near my home’s service drop?

Don’t plant under it and avoid growth toward it. For work close to the wire, coordinate with the utility and hire qualified pros—never DIY around energized conductors.

Why do cuts sometimes look aggressive?

Utility pruning creates clearances that last through a full growth cycle and extreme weather. Crews follow tree-care standards (ANSI A300/Z133) and reliability requirements.

How Trees Over Houston can help

• Powerline Clearance → Utility-aware pruning that respects clearances and species biology (we coordinate when utility involvement is needed).

• Tree Trimming → Structure-first pruning away from hazards, planned on safe calendars and with proper tool sanitation.

Want a quick walk-through of your block before the next storm line? We’ll map conflicts, flag utility coordination items, and build a trimming/planting plan that keeps your canopy—and your power—steady.