Tree Trimming Near Power Lines: Royal Palm Beach Rules

If you have trees growing near power lines in Royal Palm Beach, you might wonder what is safe to do and what could get you into trouble. You want curb appeal and shade, but you also want to protect your family, avoid outages, and stay within local rules. In this guide, you’ll learn how to handle trimming around electrical lines, when to call the utility, how permits work locally, and how to plant the right trees in the right place. Let’s dive in.

Know the lines around your home

Not every wire on a pole is the same. Some carry high-voltage power, and others are service lines to your home. Either way, electricity is dangerous. If a branch is touching a wire or close enough to contact it in wind, treat it as a hazard.

• Never touch a tree that is contacting a power line.
• Keep ladders, poles, and tools well away from wires.
• If you are unsure what type of line you are looking at, assume it is energized and keep your distance.

What you can and cannot do near power lines

You can handle light pruning on trees that are well clear of electrical lines, but anything near energized conductors is not a DIY task.

• Do not cut or pull branches that are touching or could swing into a line.
• Do not try to move a fallen branch off a wire after a storm.
• Do not allow a contractor to work near live lines without utility coordination.
• Do report trees contacting lines to the utility and follow their guidance.

FPL manages vegetation around transmission and distribution lines to keep power reliable and safe. They use routine trimming and, when needed, removal. If a tree threatens a line, FPL or its contractors may trim or remove it to maintain safe clearance.

Royal Palm Beach permits and local rules

Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County often require permits for tree removal or major trimming, especially for large or protected trees. Permit triggers can depend on trunk diameter, species, and whether a tree is designated as specimen or heritage. Rules change, so verify details before you cut.

• Contact the Village of Royal Palm Beach Building or Planning offices to confirm whether your project needs a permit.
• Check Palm Beach County planning or environmental resources to see if county tree protections apply to your property.
• Review your property survey for recorded utility or drainage easements that can limit what you can plant or remove.

When in doubt, ask the village and the county first. If your plan involves trees within an easement, expect that the utility may need access and can trim or remove vegetation that interferes with equipment.

Utility easements explained

A utility easement gives the utility the right to access and maintain equipment on or across a portion of your property. That typically includes trimming or removing vegetation within that corridor to prevent outages or fires. If you plant within an easement, assume it could be trimmed or removed later for safety.

If a tree straddles a property line or branches extend into a neighbor’s lot or an easement, responsibilities can get complex. For disputes or damage questions, consult legal counsel and your insurance provider.

When to call FPL

Call the utility if any of the following apply:

• A tree or branch is touching a power line.
• A tree is leaning on lines after a storm or has fallen onto wires.
• You plan significant pruning within a utility easement or near primary distribution lines.
• You are unsure if lines are de-energized or safe to be near.

In emergencies, stay clear, keep others away, and report the hazard to the utility and local emergency services if there is fire, sparking, or downed wires.

Plant the right tree in the right place

Good planning prevents future conflicts. Choose species that will not reach lines at maturity, and place larger trees well away from overhead wires.

• Under or near overhead lines: select small or compact trees with limited mature height and narrow crowns.
• Away from lines: medium to large trees can work if placed far enough to avoid future conflicts.
• Avoid planting in recorded utility easements. If you must plant there, be prepared for utility access and possible trimming.

Consider soil, drainage, irrigation, and wind exposure. For detailed species and spacing guidance, use University of Florida IFAS Extension resources and consult local nurseries that know Palm Beach County microclimates.

Recommended South Florida examples:

• Small or understory trees for near-line areas: crape myrtle, dwarf or compact yaupon holly, Simpson’s stopper, and other compact native selections.
• Medium trees for open areas well away from lines: buttonwood, sabal palm, and similar species placed with ample setback.
• Large canopy trees to plant far from lines: southern live oak and other broad-crown species that can exceed typical line heights.

Always call 811 before digging so underground utilities can be marked. This includes planting new trees, installing large shrubs, or digging holes for fence posts or hardscape.

Hiring a pro for safe trimming

Work near energized conductors needs training and coordination. For large or risky projects, bring in a qualified professional.

Hire a contractor when:

• A tree is large, dead, storm-damaged, or close to homes, vehicles, or wires.
• Climbing, chainsaws, bucket trucks, or cranes are required.
• The tree sits in or near an easement, a shared property line, or overhead lines.

What to look for:

• ISA Certified Arborist credentials or documented line-clearance experience.
• Current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Florida licensing where applicable and strong local references.
• A written estimate that defines scope, cleanup, and disposal.
• Clear confirmation of how they will coordinate with the utility and obtain any required permits.

If a contractor proposes working on or near energized lines without utility coordination, stop the job. That is a safety violation.

Storm prep and recovery tips

Hurricanes and severe storms are part of life in Palm Beach County. A little prep can prevent outages and damage.

• Before storm season, remove dead limbs and prune to promote strong structure. Keep work clear of live lines.
• After storms, assume all wires are energized even if the power seems out. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not try to clear branches from wires. Report hazards and leave space for utility crews.

Quick homeowner checklist

Use this simple list to plan safe, compliant work:

• Identify overhead and underground utilities and any recorded easements on your survey or plat.
• Do not trim branches touching or near power lines. Call the utility to report hazards.
• For planting, call 811 before digging. Choose compact species near lines and plant large trees far from wires.
• Check with the Village of Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County about permits and protected trees before heavy pruning or removals.
• For large or risky trees, hire a licensed and insured arborist with proper credentials. Confirm utility coordination for any line-clearance work.
• In storms and emergencies, keep clear of downed lines, secure the area, and contact the utility and emergency services.

Keep curb appeal and stay compliant

Smart tree care protects your family, your property, and your curb appeal. It also avoids headaches during a sale. If you are preparing to list in Royal Palm Beach, tidy, code-compliant landscaping helps buyers feel confident and can reduce repair requests. Want guidance on what to prioritize before you sell, plus a clear plan for pricing and marketing? Reach out to Unknown Company for local advice and to Get Your Free Home Valuation.

FAQs

Can Royal Palm Beach homeowners trim branches near power lines?

• Avoid any work near energized conductors. If branches are close to or touching lines, contact the utility and follow their instructions. For safe clearance, hire a qualified contractor who coordinates with the utility.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Royal Palm Beach?

• Permit rules vary by size, species, and designation. Check with the Village of Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County before removal or major trimming to ensure compliance.

Who is responsible if a tree on my property hits a power line?

• You own the tree, but the utility has authority to trim or remove vegetation within easements for safety. Liability for damage can be complex. Consult local rules and your insurance provider for guidance.

How far from overhead lines should I plant new trees?

• Choose species whose mature height and spread will not reach lines. Use small or understory trees under or near wires, and plant large canopy trees well away from overhead lines.

When should I call 811 in Royal Palm Beach?

• Call 811 before any digging for planting, fence posts, or hardscape. Technicians will mark underground utilities so you can dig safely and avoid damage.