Oklahoma Utility Vegetation Management Right Statute

Title 17 of the Oklahoma Statutes and Oklahoma Corporation Commission rules (OAC 165:35) authorize public utilities to maintain rights-of-way for safe, reliable service. Utilities may trim, prune, or remove trees within recorded easements without owner consent when vegetation threatens lines. The Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act (63 O.S. Sec. 142.1) requires 811 notification before excavation near buried utility lines, including for tree removal. Municipal tree ordinances cannot override utility easement rights or the statewide call-before-you-dig framework, though cities may protect heritage trees outside easements.

Damaging underground utilities without 811 notification can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 plus repair costs. Interfering with lawful utility vegetation work may trigger trespass and tortious interference liability.