In rural Lincolnshire, overhead lines run along lanes, across fields and through gardens, and trees grow into them. A branch touching a line can cause power cuts, start fires and make the tree itself live. It is one of the few garden tree jobs where the rule is simple: do not touch it yourself.
Why it is so dangerous
Electricity can jump, or arc, from a line to a branch, a ladder or a pole saw without anything actually touching the wire. Wet wood and wet weather make it worse. A tree in contact with a line can make the ground around it dangerous. Even low-voltage lines into houses carry enough current to kill.
The Health and Safety Executive's guidance is that anyone planning tree work within 10 metres of an overhead power line should get advice from the line owner before starting. That distance is measured horizontally at ground level from below the nearest wire. Work further away still needs thought if a falling branch or tree could reach into that zone.
Who owns the lines around Horncastle?
The local distribution network across Lincolnshire, including Horncastle and the surrounding villages, is run by National Grid Electricity Distribution. The free 105 number puts you through to your local network operator for power cuts and damaged lines, and National Grid Electricity Distribution can also be contacted directly.
The line from the pole to your house may be the network's responsibility, while phone and broadband cables belong to the telecoms provider. If you are unsure what a wire is, treat it as a power line until someone qualified says otherwise.
What to do if a tree is near a line
- Branches touching or very close to a line: keep away and contact the network operator. Do not prune, shake or climb the tree.
- A tree or branch down on a line: keep everyone well clear and ring 105. If it is across a road, ring 999 as well.
- A tree you want pruned or felled that is within 10 metres of a line: speak to the network operator and use a contractor trained in utility arboriculture.
The network operator can advise on safe distances, arrange for the power to be switched off where needed, or send its own contractors. HSE guidance says work near lines should preferably be done with the line dead, and live working has to be justified.
How line clearance is done
Utility arboriculture is a separate discipline from garden tree surgery. Arborists working near overhead lines need specific training and work to the network operator's procedures. The job typically involves:
- Assessing the tree and line together, including how the branches will move once cut.
- Agreeing safe working distances and whether an outage is needed.
- Cutting back to the required clearance, often from a platform.
- Lowering every piece under control so nothing drops onto the line.
- Leaving the site clear and recording the work as the client requires.
Will and John are both NPTC qualified utility arborists, and line clearance is one of New Leaf Arb's core services. See utility arboriculture and line clearance for more.
Planting near lines
Prevention is cheaper than clearance. Before planting anything that will grow tall, look up. Fast-growing trees such as willow, poplar and Leyland cypress can reach a line within a few years. A smaller species or a different spot avoids the problem altogether.
Hedges and lines
Many roadside hedges in the area run directly under lines. Trimming the top of a tall hedge under a wire with powered hedge cutters on a ladder is exactly the kind of job that injures people every year. If a hedge has grown up towards a line, get the line owner involved. Our post on overgrown leylandii hedges covers bringing tall conifer hedges back under control.
After a storm
High winds are when trees and lines most often meet. If a tree has come down on wires after a gale, see our guide to storm-damaged trees. Never approach fallen lines.
Talk to us
New Leaf Arb covers Horncastle, Spilsby, Wragby and the surrounding villages for line clearance and commercial tree work, with our MEWP access kit for reaching tall trees safely. Ring Will on 07506 185049 or John on 07538 128890, or send the details through the contact page. Site visits are free and quotes are no obligation.
Published 1 November 2026 by Will, New Leaf Arb Tree Surgeons, Horncastle.