Work near aerial networks

Overhead networks are part of our lives as well as the lives of trees. They provide us with electricity and telecommunications. These networks must be monitored when they coexist with our trees. Here are some of the networks that surround us:

"Networks are an important factor to consider when planting."

"Please note that we are not authorized by Hydro-Québec for work to be performed near medium-voltage power lines."

To help you identify the different networks around you, we have selected a photo that clearly illustrates the different types of electrical wires that can be seen on a residential property.

Types of networks where we can perform removal or pruning work nearby

As a professional arboriculture company, Arboquébec can perform removal or pruning work near telecommunication and cable broadcasting lines, as well as near low-voltage electrical lines.

Telecommunication and Cable Broadcasting Networks

Often placed lowest on the poles, these networks provide services such as telephone, television, internet, etc. The clearance of these overhead lines is the responsibility of the owner of the tree in question.

During their training, qualified arborists learn how to clear these networks, making them fit to execute these clearances correctly while respecting the tree's health as much as possible. We are therefore able to prune or remove a tree near these wires.

We suggest visiting our blog post The right tree in the right place to make an informed choice if you wish to plant a tree near this type of network.

Low-Voltage Network

The transformer steps the voltage down to 240 and 120 volts and feeds the conductors located below it. The conductor, whether insulated or non-insulated, runs from your home to join these lines. Clearing material located below the clearance zone assigned to medium voltage is the responsibility of the owner of the conflicting tree.

Since these wires are insulated and covered with a protective sheath, our team of arborists is able to undertake removal and pruning work near them. The techniques for working near low-voltage wires, learned during our arboriculture training, ensure that our service is performed safely while respecting the tree's health.

Types of networks where we cannot perform pruning or removal work nearby

Unfortunately, Arboquébec is not a company mandated by Hydro-Québec to perform removal or pruning work near medium-voltage electrical lines or near electricity distribution networks.

Medium-Voltage Network

Medium-voltage conductors, usually non-insulated, are mounted on porcelain insulators at the top of the pole. Carrying approximately 15,000 volts, this conductor must be approached with caution. Many tree species reach this height and coexist with this equipment.

Since we are not authorized by Hydro-Québec for this type of service, it is impossible for us to work on a tree within three meters of a medium-voltage conductor or any equipment above the transformer.

Electricity Distribution Network

Electricity is transported at high voltage to distribution stations via steel pylons or wooden poles. Distribution stations lower the electrical voltage to send it to the distribution networks. Distribution networks consist of all the installations necessary to deliver electricity to customers. The voltage used on the distribution network is medium and low voltage.

These conductors likely do not come into contact with your trees. It is uncommon to see this type of network on residential land within a city. Just like the medium-voltage network, we cannot under any circumstances undertake work on a tree located within five meters of these electrical wires horizontally and within three meters vertically.

How to find a company mandated by Hydro-Québec for work near these high-danger electrical wires?

It is no longer necessary to contact Hydro-Québec to inform them of work to be done near medium-voltage lines. There are now arboriculture companies mandated to manage this work.

We therefore suggest you consult the website of the Société internationale d’arboriculture du Québec (SIAQ) directly. By following the steps below, you will easily find a company authorized by Hydro-Québec that can carry out work near medium-voltage wires or near the electricity distribution network.

Steps to find companies mandated/authorized by Hydro-Québec:

1. Access the SIAQ website via the following link: Société internationale d’arboriculture du Québec.

2. In the section on the left under "Search for a professional," do not select a specific service, as the provided link already leads to the list of companies authorized by Hydro-Québec. If you choose another service, you will leave the list of companies mandated by Hydro-Québec.

3. Click on the second drop-down box below the previous one named "-choose a region-" (choisir une région), then select the region where you reside.

After following these steps, you will have access to a list of all arborists mandated by Hydro-Québec who can perform this type of service. Authorized companies display the following logo in their description:

These Hydro-Québec authorized companies will proceed to secure the area. They will ensure that no branches are within 3 meters of the medium-voltage electrical wires. Once they have completed their work, you can then contact us to prune or remove your tree if the work was not fully completed according to your needs by the Hydro-Québec mandated company. We will be able to help you since your tree no longer poses a danger to the safety of our arborists.

Would you like me to translate another page or a specific technical section regarding these electrical networks?