Believe it or not, you may need a tree removal permit before you can cut down a tree on your own property. That’s right — you may not be the only person making decisions about removing trees in your yard, regardless of what they look like or their state of health, if the tree in question is protected by state law.
 
The good news? It’s unlikely that you have any protected trees on your property, so you probably don’t need the town’s approval to go forward with your landscaping plans, but you should be aware of tree-removal laws anyway.
 
The Utah Heritage Tree Act of 1975
 
In 1975, the Utah Legislature enacted the Heritage Tree Act, protecting any trees that are named by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. These trees are:

• Historically significant on a national, state or local level
• Unusually large or well-formed for their species
• Unusually old for their species
• Rare — potentially the last of their species

 
Several trees are on in Utah’s registry. Explore the names, find pictures and see where they grow on this interactive map. You can also nominate a tree in your community by sending this form to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
 
Don’t Be Hasty — Act Neighborly
 
So no heritage tree growing on your property? Then you don’t need a permit — you’re free to proceed with safe removal … or are you?
 
Is 100 percent of the trunk on your property? Even if a portion sits on the property line, you will need your neighbor to sign off on the tree removal, or else you could be held liable. Utah law is strict — if you cut a tree down without permission, you could be forced to pay up to three times its value. Keep in mind that fully mature trees can cost thousands of dollars.
 
Is it Time for Tree Removal?
 
Even if you don’t need a tree removal permit, it’s wise to think twice before removing a tree. Trees add considerable value to your property, not to mention shade for your home and protection from harsh winter wind. Talk to an arborist, and have them complete a full tree assessment. Unless they spot the following signs, the tree may still be healthy and viable:

• Significant trunk damage with cracks, cavities and peeling bark
• Heaving soil at the base and under the leaf canopy
• Leaning heavily to one side

 
Tree removal should always be managed by experts who have the right equipment to minimize personal injury and property damage. Call Rivendell Tree Experts to talk to a certified arborist about the best course of action for your trees. ​

Is your electric company within its rights to come on your property and prune or remove trees that interfere with electric service? 
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It may seem like they’re overstepping their boundaries, but your electric company can trim your trees without your permission. They’re only doing their best to prevent the next blackout. 

Tree Trimming Prevents Power Outages 

On Aug. 14, 2003, a downed transmission line in Ohio caused 50 million electric customers in the Midwest, Northeast and Ontario, Canada, to lose power, some for a few hours, some for up to a week. After studying the causes of the blackout, the U.S. and Canadian governments determined that a lack of tree maintenance directly contributed to the outage. 

Since then, state governments have enacted laws that comply with national standards for tree maintenance near power lines. Preventing outages from downed trees is possible, so your utility company is required by law to do everything in their power to keep tree growth from interfering. If they don’t, they could face a multimillion-dollar fine. 

Electricity is vital to survival, and a failure could cause a fire, damage nearby homes or inflict a widespread outage. Your electric company takes tree-trimming seriously. They typically aim for at least 10 feet of clearance near distribution lines. If fast-growing trees are situated close by, this target distance increases. 

If a tree poses a continuous problem, the utility company may decide to remove it, but they will consult with the property owner beforehand, sometimes providing a voucher for a replacement tree they can plant elsewhere on their property. 

Plan Tree Planting with Power Lines in Mind 

You can help prevent the need for constant tree trimming near power lines by paying attention to where you plant your trees in the first place. If you’re planting a tree underneath or near a power line, choose a low-growing species with an expected height of under 25 feet. Trees that grow over 25 feet should be planted at least 25 feet away from power lines. Trees that grow over 35 feet should be planted at least 50 feet away. 

Call a Professional — Don’t DIY Trim Near Power Lines 

Your electric company follows an annual tree trimming maintenance plan, but you can help by
having your trees trimmed by a professional before they get too close to power lines. Many arborists are not licensed to trim within 10 feet of power lines, so to ensure proper pruning and tree health, plan ahead before trees get too close. 
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Whatever you do, don’t climb it or try to trim it on your own. Tree trimming, especially near power lines, is a dangerous job that requires the skill of a professional. Rivendell Tree Experts will help keep all trees on your property safely pruned — call today for an evaluation of your trees.
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