It is important to identify whether high voltage power lines are above the planting strip where you will plant your new street tree. If high voltage power lines are present, your tree list will provide options for smaller form trees. Smaller form trees are less likely to grow into the high voltage power lines.
Wires above trees are categorized as either high voltage or not high voltage. High voltage wires often (but not always) run on one side of the street and have some features which make them easy to identify.
Signs that wires are high voltage:
- Transformers
- Insulators
- Trees along the street are pruned away from the wires
Signs that wires are not high voltage:
- Service lines (lower voltage power lines) and communication lines will not have transformers or insulators. You might see these lines connecting to houses or running through trees.
| High Voltage Wires | Not High Voltage Wires |
|---|---|
 Transformer and insulator present |  Communication and service lines |
 Tree is pruned away from high voltage power lines |  Tree is growing through communication and service lines |
Contact your electric company
Portland General Electric
Tree Trimming 503-736-5460 or 800-544-1794
Pacific Power
Tree pruning & vegetation management: 1-888-221-7070 vegetationmgmtpaccor@pacificorp.com