Preventive maintenance and corrective action

Preventive maintenance

Periodic trimming

Why does Hydro-Québec do preventive pruning near distribution lines?
Every 3 to 7 years.
Particularly in developed areas.
A tree trimmer hired by Hydro-Québec trims and picks up branches of ornamental trees on developed property. On undeveloped property (such as roadside woods), the residue may be left spread over the ground or in small piles to encourage biodiversity.
No cost to the owner of the tree.

Periodic tree cutting

Every 6 to 12 years.
Especially in larger and less developed areas.
A qualified cutter hired by Hydro-Québec cuts and may (or may not) pick up residue. The residue can be transformed into chips (with or without recovery), put in piles or spread over the ground to encourage biodiversity.
No cost to the owner of the trees.

Tree cutting or removal of overhanging vegetation

Such work is performed when a tree shows signs of structural weakness, which could adversely affect reliability and safety related to the provision of electrical service (partially uprooted tree, one damaged during a storm, etc.).
A tree trimmer hired by Hydro-Québec cuts and may (or may not) pick up residue. The residue can be reduced to chips, put in piles or spread over the ground. Commercial timber is not chipped, but left as is for various uses (fuel wood, etc.).
No cost to the owner of the trees.

Clearing vegetation around distribution lines to restore electrical service

When a power failure occurs.
Hydro-Québec or a tree trimmer hired by the utility intervenes as required, at no charge, but does not pick up residue.
The municipality or the property owner must look after residue.

Action in response to a citizen’s request

A Hydro-Québec expert assesses the electrical hazard.

Any hazardous work required to ensure the reliability and safety of electricity service will be done at no charge by Hydro-Québec or a tree trimmer hired by the utility. Owners may to decide whether to finish the job (pick up branches, cut wood and dispose of waste) themselves or to hire a tree trimmer. Owners are responsible for getting those tasks done.
If the work is related to the owners’ need to develop or improve their property (putting in a pool or putting up a garden shed, for instance), and in the course of a trimming or cutting operation part of the tree may come within three metres of a medium-voltage power line, only Hydro-Québec or a tree trimmer hired by the utility may perform the work.

In such a case, the tree owners must call Hydro-Québec. A representative will assess the electrical hazard and offer an agreement describing the tree work and its cost. Owners may to decide whether to finish the job (pick up branches, cut wood and dispose of waste) themselves or to hire a tree trimmer.

Except in the case of government, municipal and community agencies (health centres, hospitals, schools), owners must pay the cost of any hazardous work done to meet their needs.

Charges for tree trimming or cutting and removal may vary significantly (from $25 to $1,500), depending on the tree’s size (diameter) and location.