A single branch brushing a power line can knock out power to your block and put people at risk. If you own a home in Port St. Lucie, you want to keep your trees healthy and your family safe without running into utility or permit trouble. This guide shows you exactly what to do, who is responsible, and how to handle tree work near power lines with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why this matters in Port St. Lucie
Trees touching power lines are a leading cause of outages and safety hazards like fires and shock. Utilities invest in vegetation management to prevent contact, especially during storms and high winds. You can learn more in this overview of vegetation management and reliability from the federal energy regulator FERC’s vegetation management resource.
Most Port St. Lucie addresses are served by Florida Power & Light (FPL), while some pockets of St. Lucie County use other providers. Before you report a hazard or request work, confirm your electric utility using the county’s utility listing resource.
The City of Port St. Lucie also has a Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance. Utilities can remove protected trees in easements or rights-of-way if a tree endangers service or public safety. If you plan to remove a protected tree or work in the right-of-way, review the city’s Tree Protection & Preservation page.
Who is responsible for trimming
Utility responsibilities
FPL is responsible for clearing vegetation that interferes with power lines within its easements and rights-of-way. The utility follows routine trimming cycles to maintain safe clearances. FPL explains its program and neighborhood schedules on its line-clearing page.
Homeowner responsibilities
You are responsible for trees on your property that could grow into unsafe distances from lines outside the utility easement. The utility may not trim every private tree. If a tree on your property threatens the lines, you may need to hire a qualified contractor unless the utility schedules the work. FPL outlines these expectations on its line-clearing page.
City rules and permits
Protected trees and right-of-way work can require permits. Removing a protected tree without authorization can lead to penalties or replacement requirements. Check current rules and permit steps on the city’s Tree Protection & Preservation page.
Safety first: how close is too close
For non-professionals, the rule of thumb is simple: stay at least 10 feet away from overhead neighborhood lines. Never attempt to trim trees or vines near power lines yourself. See FPL’s homeowner guidance on power line safety.
Federal safety rules set minimum approach distances for unqualified persons at generally 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV, with larger distances for higher voltages. Work inside those distances requires qualified line-clearance workers and utility coordination. Review OSHA’s guidance on line-clearance tree trimming operations.
What to do in common situations
Emergency hazards
If a tree is on a line, sparking, or a line is down, stay away and keep others clear. Do not touch the tree, the line, or anything in contact with it. Call 911 first, then report the hazard to FPL at 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).
Non-emergency trimming requests
If you see vegetation that may interfere with lines but it is not an emergency, use FPL’s reporting channels. The utility schedules work within its vegetation-management cycle and notifies customers as needed. Learn how to request work on FPL’s line-clearing page.
Planting or construction near utilities
- Call Sunshine 811 before you dig. Florida law requires you to contact 811 at least two full business days before digging so underground utilities can be marked. Start here: Sunshine 811 digging timeline.
- Plant the right tree in the right place. Choose species and locations that will not grow into overhead lines at maturity. FPL’s guidance on safe planting zones and species is here: Right Tree, Right Place.
Hiring a qualified tree contractor
When work may occur near power lines, choose a contractor with the right training and insurance. FPL recommends hiring only qualified, utility-experienced companies. Use this quick checklist:
- Experience with utility/line-clearance work and adherence to ANSI A300 and Z133 pruning and safety practices.
- General liability and workers’ compensation insurance; ask for certificates.
- Local business registration and any required city/county licensing for tree work.
- Written scope that clarifies who coordinates with the utility, cleanup expectations, and debris disposal.
FPL’s guidance on selecting contractors is available here: contractor tips for tree work near lines.
Storm season prep in St. Lucie County
Do not wait for a storm watch to check your trees. FPL trims main lines on roughly a three-year cycle and neighborhood lines about every six years on average, but you should maintain trees on your property proactively to reduce storm damage. Review planting and spacing tips on FPL’s Right Tree, Right Place guide.
Keep records and permits
If your work could affect a public right-of-way or a protected tree, review city requirements and secure any needed permits before you start. Keep copies of utility notices, contractor proposals, permits, and photos of the work area. The City’s permit resources are on the Tree Protection & Preservation page.
Staying safe and compliant around power lines protects your family, your neighbors, and your home value. If you are planning a move or getting your property market-ready in Port St. Lucie, connect with Jill McCarthy Thogersen for locally grounded guidance.
FAQs
How close can you trim a tree to power lines in Port St. Lucie?
- For non-professionals, keep at least 10 feet from overhead neighborhood lines and never attempt trimming near energized lines; contact the utility or a qualified line-clearance contractor per FPL safety guidance.
Who do you call if a tree is on a power line or sparking?
- Stay away, call 911, then report the hazard to FPL at 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) using the utility’s emergency channels.
Do you need a permit to remove a tree near the street or lines?
- Protected trees and work in the right-of-way may require city approval; review rules and permit steps on Port St. Lucie’s Tree Protection & Preservation page.
How often does FPL trim trees around neighborhood lines?
- FPL maintains main lines about every three years and neighborhood lines about every six years on average; see its line-clearing program.
Can your landscaper trim branches near power lines?
- Only trained line-clearance professionals should work near energized lines; OSHA’s line-clearance rules outline qualified worker requirements and safe approach distances.
