Tree trimming

Trees growing too close to power lines can cause electrical hazards. Tree maintenance in Collingwood and area helps to keep your community safe and your power reliable.

Why we trim trees

Trees grow quickly, and sometimes their branches reach too close to power lines. When this happens, it can cause power outages, fires, or dangerous electric shocks. We trim trees in the Collingwood service area to protect your neighbourhood and keep electricity flowing safely.

You may see crews trimming trees along your street. This is planned work that helps prevent bigger problems later.

Tree with autumn leaves near power lines

Our tree trimming program

Every neighbourhood in the Collingwood service area receives routine tree trimming every 3 to 4 years.
How often we trim depends on:

how fast local trees grow
past storm damage
how close trees are to the lines

Sometimes work happens sooner if a tree becomes unsafe.

Our crews trim only what is needed to keep safe space around power lines. You may see bucket trucks, wood chippers, or small crews working along the road while this work is being done.

Safe distances between trees and power lines

To safely operate and maintain electrical infrastructure in Ontario:

Trees must stay 3 metres away from overhead power lines
Trees and shrubs must stay 1 metre away from the service line that runs from the pole to your home

These distances help prevent fires, outages, and damage during storms.

Note: For the overhead power service line to your house, keep the tree or shrub at least 1 metre away from the line.

Trimming trees near your home

EPCOR may need to trim trees on private property when:

trees are growing into power lines
branches could damage electrical equipment
we have a utility easement on your property

We do our best to notify you before starting work. If it is an emergency, we may need to begin immediately.

Municipalities look after trimming in public parks. If you are not sure who is responsible for a specific tree, you can always call us.

If you see a tree that looks unsafe

Please contact us if you notice the following in Collingwood and area:

a tree touching or close to a power line
branches leaning on your service line
a damaged or leaning tree near power lines

Reporting early helps prevent outages and keeps people safe.

Call EPCOR: 705‑445‑1800

You can also report a tree hazard or outage online.

If a tree is on a power line

This is an emergency.

Stay far back. Treat all downed or sagging lines as live
Call 911
Call EPCOR’s 24 hour emergency line:
705‑445‑1800

Know the lines

Your utility pole may carry several types of lines.

At the top of the pole
Carry very high voltage
Maintained by EPCOR

Run from pole to pole
Carry lower voltage

Run from the pole to your home
Property owners are responsible for keeping trees clear of these lines

Lowest on the pole
Maintained by cable or telephone companies

Planting or digging? Get a free utility locate

Before planting new trees, digging post holes, repairing structures, or starting any ground‑disturbing activity, always locate underground utilities first.

In Ontario, contact:

Ontario One Call
OntarioOneCall.ca
1‑800‑400‑2255

This free service will mark underground power, water, gas, drainage, telecom, and cable lines using coloured paint and flags. Locates can take up to a week, so plan ahead.

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Landscaping guidelines for homeowners

Learn how to safely trim and plant trees near overhead and underground power lines, including when to call EPCOR for free service line disconnections.

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Are you a Certified Utility Arborist?

Working near energized lines is dangerous. Find the safety rules, clearance requirements, and EPCOR contact information you need before starting work.