Tree Care Near Power Lines: What Knob Hill Owners Need

A limb brushing a wire outside your Knob Hill home is more than an eyesore. It is a safety risk and a headache you can avoid with the right steps. In this guide, you will learn who handles what in Colorado Springs, when to call the utility, how permits work for street trees, and how to plant wisely so you are not pruning every year. Let’s dive in.

Who handles what in Knob Hill

Electric lines: call Colorado Springs Utilities

If a tree is touching or threatening electric lines, call Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) right away. CSU offers free safety inspections and will arrange utility line clearance at no cost when limbs encroach on electric lines. You can request help through CSU’s tree and landscaping safety guidance, which explains what they handle and how to get an inspection. Learn more on CSU’s page about landscaping near utilities.

• Read CSU’s guidance on tree safety and line clearance: CSU landscaping and trees

Street and park trees: City Forestry

Trees in the public right of way and parks are managed by the City’s Forestry team. If you want to plant in the parkway in front of your home, the City requires a free planting permit and you must choose from the City’s approved street tree list. Start with the City’s Forestry page, then use the planting permit portal when you are ready.

• City policies and contacts: City of Colorado Springs Forestry
• Parkway planting permits: Plant a tree permit portal

Private property trees: your responsibility

You are responsible for trees on your property. For high or complex work, especially near lines, hire a licensed tree service. Colorado Springs requires a tree-service business license for firms that work on larger trees, and you should verify insurance and credentials before work begins.

Safety first around power lines

If a tree is on or touching a power line, stay away and keep others away. Do not try to move branches, tools, or anything touching the line. CSU’s power line safety guidance explains how to stay safe near downed lines, including staying inside if a line is down nearby and how to exit a vehicle safely if needed. If someone is in danger, call 911.

• Review CSU’s power line safety tips: Downed and overhead line safety

Immediate steps:

• Keep people and pets far from the area.
• Do not touch fences, puddles, or objects that may be energized.
• Call CSU for utility hazards or inspections. Call 911 if there is an emergency.

How local line clearance works

CSU trims or removes vegetation that threatens electric reliability and safety. Their crews handle clearance around energized equipment, and they schedule work based on urgency and system needs. For city trees in streets and parks, Forestry prunes for public clearance, such as safe heights over sidewalks and streets. If you want city-owned trees addressed sooner, you can hire a licensed contractor, but permits may still be required.

• Request a utility inspection or line clearance: CSU landscaping and trees

Plant the right tree in the right place

Choosing the right species and location prevents future conflicts with lines. A common rule is to plant small, low-growing trees directly under or near lines and place medium and tall trees farther away. The Arbor Day Foundation outlines a simple distance rule of thumb: plant a tree at least as many feet from the line’s center as its mature height.

• Planting distances and zone guidance: Arbor Day Foundation perspective

For Colorado-friendly, utility-compatible choices, Colorado State University’s PlantTalk recommends small trees and shrubs that mature around 20 feet or less. Options include serviceberry, Japanese tree lilac, Tatarian or Amur maple, several hawthorns, ornamental fruit trees, and select dwarf conifers or upright junipers. If you are planting in the parkway, always follow the City’s approved street tree list.

• Small trees suited for utility corridors: CSU PlantTalk recommendations

Before you plant or dig for irrigation, call 811 to have underground utilities located. This service is free and required by Colorado law.

• Call before you dig: Colorado 811 via CSU

When to prune and why timing matters

For most species in our climate, late winter to early spring is a good time to prune for tree health. Remove dead, diseased, or dangerous wood at any time. Near power lines, CSU’s safety schedule and clearance needs take priority, so coordinate timing with the utility and the City when needed.

• Pruning best practices from CSU Extension: How to make proper pruning cuts

Hiring a tree pro in Colorado Springs

Work near power lines is not a DIY project. Ask any contractor for proof of a current City tree-service business license and insurance, and request a written scope with cleanup and stump handling. For complex jobs, look for crews with ISA Certified Arborists and check references.

• Verify licensing requirements: City tree-service license information
• Find or verify an ISA Certified Arborist: ISA TreesAreGood tool

Easements, neighbors, and liability basics

Trees in the public right of way are subject to City or utility work for safety and access. When you plant in the parkway, you accept those limits and must follow species and permit rules. If a private tree causes damage to utility equipment or contributes to an outage, document everything and contact CSU and your insurance provider.

• City Forestry contacts and policies: Colorado Springs Forestry

Quick Knob Hill checklist

• See a branch on a line or a hazardous lean: keep clear and call CSU. For emergencies, call 911.
• Non-emergency concerns near lines: request a free CSU safety inspection and line clearance.
• Planting in the parkway: get a free City permit and choose approved species.
• Under overhead lines: pick small-mature trees and follow distance rules.
• Before digging: call 811 to locate underground utilities.
• Hiring help: choose a City-licensed, insured tree service and verify ISA credentials.
• Routine care: prune in late winter when possible, and avoid heavy pruning during drought stress.

Ready to plan your next move?

Healthy, well-placed trees protect your home, your neighborhood, and the grid. If you are preparing to sell, buying in Knob Hill, or planning updates before listing, we can help you prioritize smart, local improvements that pay off. Reach out to The Front Range Real Estate Company to talk through your goals and next steps.

FAQs

Who should I call in Knob Hill if a tree is touching a power line?

• Call Colorado Springs Utilities for any tree contacting or threatening a line, and call 911 if anyone is in danger; review CSU’s guidance here: Power line safety.

Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the parkway in Colorado Springs?

• Yes, the City requires a free planting permit and approved species for parkway trees; start here: Plant a tree permit portal.

What should I plant under overhead lines near my home?

• Choose small trees that mature around 20 feet or less, like serviceberry or Japanese tree lilac, and follow utility distance guidance: CSU PlantTalk small-tree list and Arbor Day distance tips.

When is the best time to prune my trees in Colorado Springs?

• Late winter to early spring is generally best for tree health, though safety and utility clearance needs can override timing; see CSU Extension pruning guidance.

How do I find a qualified arborist for work near lines?

• Hire a City-licensed, insured tree service and look for ISA Certified Arborists; verify credentials with the ISA TreesAreGood tool and review City licensing info.

Do utilities charge to trim trees near power lines?

• CSU performs utility line-clearance trimming at no cost when vegetation threatens electric reliability and safety; request a CSU safety inspection for guidance on your situation.