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Pennsylvania Statewide Rule

Pennsylvania Utility Vegetation Management Tree Trimming Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Facts

Regulating Body
Pennsylvania PUC
Authority
52 Pa. Code Ch. 57
Scope
Statewide utility easements
Property Owner Rights
Limited within easements
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Summary

Pennsylvania PUC regulations universally authorize utilities to trim or remove trees within rights-of-way and easements to ensure electric service reliability statewide.

(n) Inspection and maintenance intervals. An EDC shall maintain the following inspection and maintenance plan intervals: (1) Vegetation management. The Statewide minimum inspection and treatment cycle for vegetation management is between 4-8 years for distribution facilities. An EDC shall submit a condition-based plan for vegetation management for its distribution system facilities explaining its treatment cycle. (2) Pole inspections. Distribution poles shall be inspected at least as often as every 10—12 years except for the new southern yellow pine creosoted utility poles which shall be initally inspected within 25 years, then within 12 years annually after the initial inspection. Pole inspections must include: (i) Drill tests at and below ground level. (ii) A shell test. (iii) Visual inspection for holes or evidence of insect infestation.

Source: Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaView official code

Full Breakdown

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), under 52 Pa. Code Chapter 57, requires electric distribution companies to maintain vegetation management programs across all service territories. Utilities have the universal right to trim trees within their easements regardless of municipal preferences. Property owners cannot block routine clearance work on lines. State law preempts local efforts to restrict utility trimming when reliability is at stake.

Violations & Penalties

Property owners blocking utility access can face civil penalties; utilities failing reliability standards face PUC fines up to $1,000 per day per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my township stop the utility from trimming my tree?
No. PUC reliability standards under 52 Pa. Code Chapter 57 preempt municipal restrictions on utility vegetation management within established easements and rights-of-way.
Do I get notice before trimming?
Utilities typically provide advance notice for non-emergency work, but emergency trimming for hazard trees or storm response can occur without prior notification under PUC rules.

Sources

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