A. Topping and tipping often require multiple cuts on branches. This tends to promote quick regrowth of small, weakly attached shoots. The many cuts also leave a tree more susceptible to disease and insect infestation as well as making the future situation worse by increasing the number of shoots and branches that grow back into the power lines. The required clearance distance from vegetation to power lines varies from line to line depending on voltage, local ordinances, tree characteristics and the tree owner. In older neighborhoods with overhead lines, placing lines underground is difficult and expensive.
Many trees are already well established.
Converting overhead facilities to underground requires considerable trenching of existing pavement, roads, or other structures. Placing lines underground can cost many times more than what it costs to install power lines overhead. Regularly pruning trees growing near high voltage power lines is necessary to ensure safety around the electrical facilities and to minimize disruption of service to customers. It is the accepted pruning standard. It allows a portion of the tree to attain the normal mature height for the species.