Frequently Asked Questions
Managing Distribution Rights of Way
Why does Georgia Power prune trees?
How often do you prune trees?
How do you determine which trees to prune?
Will pruning harm my trees?
What rights do tree crews have to come on my property?
Can I get wood chips/mulch from Georgia Power?
When is tree removal the best option?
Can the crews prune other trees while on my property?
Why won't Georgia Power put the lines underground and spare trees?
How will I know when your tree crews are in my neighborhood?
Why don't you mow more often?
Can I mow the easement more often?
Can I purchase the same herbicides to use on my property?
What can I plant on the easement area?
Managing Transmission Rights of Way
What type of authorization will I receive for use of a Georgia Power right of way?
How do I identify distribution and electrical transmission structures?
Where do I find Georgia Power structure numbers?
What information does Georgia Power need to initiate this process?
Can trees be planted on the right of way?
How far away from the line do I need to build my house?
What is the difference between a temporary and permanent structure?
Can I install a fence on the right of way? What about drainage ditches, grading, fills, streets/driveways, recreational uses, parking, lakes and ponds, or tree farming?
What uses are prohibited on the right of way? What uses are permitted?
Are ATVs or motorcycles allowed on the right of way?
Why does Georgia Power prune trees?
Trees that come in contact with power lines are a major cause of outages. Timely pruning to maintain adequate clearance between trees and power lines reduces outages, which improves the quality and reliability of electrical service. Safety is another reason to prune trees. Our customers, employees and contractors can be exposed to life threatening risks if limbs touch lines and become energized.
How often do you prune trees?
Urban areas usually are pruned on a three-year cycle, while more rural areas are pruned every four years or more.
How do you determine which trees to prune?
The need to prune a tree is based on its growth rate and proximity to a power line. Small, slow growing trees need less pruning than tall, fast growing species. The further a tree is from a power line easement, the less often it will have to be pruned.
Will pruning harm my trees?
Georgia Power prunes trees according to industry standards such as those created by the American Standards Institute. These pruning methods capitalize on a tree's natural growth and defense mechanisms to avoid harming it.
What rights do tree crews have to come on my property?
We have an obligation to maintain our electric facilities to provide safe and reliable electric service, as well as the right to enter and leave private property. We comply with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and other rules and regulations that govern the utility industry.
Can I get wood chips/mulch from Georgia Power?
Over the past few years, the demand for woods chips has increased faster than the amount we can supply, so we can no longer take delivery requests. Wood chips come from trees that have been trimmed and are available to residents when tree crews are in your area. Only full loads are available, and an average truckload is equivalent to three to four pick up truckloads. These wood chips consist of many trees species, are irregular in shape and color, and can include some twigs and rakings. For more information, ask a tree crew working in your area.
When is tree removal the best option?
Georgia Power may need to remove trees that are a risk to electrical service and public safety, particularly in cases involving repeated or severe pruning. When tree removal is the best option, we may provide a suitable low growing replacement tree to the customer. Only low growing species are permitted on defined width easements, tall growing species are removed when found.
Can the crews prune other trees while on my property?
No. We will only prune trees that pose a potential hazard to our lines.
Why won't Georgia Power put the lines underground and spare trees?
In older neighborhoods with overhead lines, placing lines underground would be difficult and expensive. It also would require Georgia Power to dig into the trees' roots, which could harm the trees, make them susceptible to disease or even kill them.
How will I know when your tree crews are in my neighborhood?
We make an effort to notify property owners in person before any work is done. If no one is at home, a door-hanger will be left on your main entry door with the projected date for pruning and a contact number.
Why don't you mow more often?
We use a combination of mowing and herbicide to manage fast growing tall woody species. We mow once every six years to remove vegetation before its height reaches 15 feet. This cycle is a best practice to ensure a safe an reliable electric system, as well as the most economical.
Can I mow the easement more often?
Yes. If you are the property owner you can mow more often. If you are not the owner, you will need permission from the property owner.
Can I purchase the same herbicides to use on my property?
Yes. All herbicides we use are non-restricted, which means anyone can buy them..
What can I plant on the easement area?
Generally, shrubs, vegetable gardens, grasses and low-growing trees are permitted as long as they don't block or restrict access to the easement area. Tree Planting Guide. (PDF 376KB)
What type of authorization will I receive for use of a Georgia Power right of way?
An encroachment agreement. This is a bilateral agreement that outlines the specific rights and limitations to use the land. The applicant, if other than the fee owner, must get permission from the owner to use the land.
How do I identify distribution and electrical transmission structures?
Generally distribution poles are 30-40 feet tall and transmission towers are 60 feet or taller. Transmission towers often have a frame, lattice, or concrete pad.
Where do I find Georgia Power structure numbers?
The numbers are at the top of the pole and can be seen from the ground. They are usually two to three digit numbers.
What information does Georgia Power need to initiate this process?
Can trees be planted on the right of way?
Tree Planting Guide. (PDF 376KB)
How far away from the line do I need to build my house?
Buffer space requirements vary. Contact us for information.
What is the difference between a temporary and permanent structure?
Permanent structures includes buildings too large to move on trailers, structures with poured foundations, structures with permanent piers and structures larger than 12' X 12' X 12' from ground level.
Can I install a fence on the right of way? What about drainage ditches, grading, fills, streets/driveways, recreational uses, parking, lakes and ponds, or tree farming?
Fences are permitted as long as Georgia Power can drive to transmission facilities and equipment, the fence does not undermine any transmission facilities or equipment, and the fence does not interfere with buried facilities.
Fences that block access to the right of way must have a drive through gate installed with a Georgia Power or ITS padlock. Fences must be 10 feet from poles or line structures. Metal fences installed within the limits of a 500 kV transmission line right of way must be grounded. Contact us concerning fence height and the application process.
What uses are prohibited on the right of way? What uses are permitted?
Are ATVs or motorcycles allowed on the right of way?
ATVs and motorcycles destroy grass, erode the ground beneath the lines and structures and pose serious hazards to individuals riding in and around guy wires. Transmission rights of way are not public property and this riding on them may be considered trespassing on private property. Consequently, motorized vehicles should steer clear of the rights of way.
