Overhead infrastructure is our primary pathway for delivering power to homes and businesses. To keep your service safe and reliable, it’s important for everyone to play their part in helping maintain proper clearance around powerlines. This web page explains who is responsible for tree trimming, how to plant safely near powerlines and what to do if you spot a hazard.
Vegetation management
Protect your property and power supply by managing trees near electrical infrastructure.
Tree trimming responsibilities
Toronto Hydro works with the City of Toronto’s Forestry department to maintain safe clearances around powerlines. However, while we handle most public and high-voltage areas, property owners may be responsible for trimming trees around lower voltage lines on their property. Responsibility for tree trimming depends on the location and voltage:
| Location | Voltage | Responsible party |
|---|---|---|
| Public road allowance | < 750 V | Toronto Hydro |
| Public road allowance | > 750 V | Toronto Hydro |
| Private property (Toronto Hydro-owned lines) | < 750 V | Customer |
| Private property (Toronto Hydro-owned lines) | > 750 V | Toronto Hydro |
| Private property (customer-owned lines) | < 750 V | Customer |
| Private property (customer-owned lines) | > 750 V | Customer |
Tip: If trees on your property are near powerlines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. Always hire a licensed arborist to complete this work safely.
Plan before you plant
Before you start any landscaping projects, make sure you plan ahead. All trees and shrubs must maintain a safe clearance from powerlines and hydro poles, and must be in compliance with municipal by-laws and property easements.
Toronto Hydro uses a three-zone planting guide to help you choose the right tree for the right place:
- Low zone: Under and within 4.5 m (15 ft) of powerlines
- Plant only small trees/shrubs with a mature height/spread of 4.5 m (15 ft) or less
- Medium zone: Under and within 7.6 m (25 ft) of powerlines
- Plant trees/shrubs with a mature height/spread of 7.6 m (25 ft) or less
- Tall zone: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) from the powerlines
- Plant any strong and healthy trees
Learn more from the Electrical Safety Authority’s Homeowner Landscaping and Tree Pruning guide.
Intelligent vegetation management system
We’re currently piloting an Intelligent Vegetation Management System (IVMS) in Etobicoke and North York. This satellite-powered tool helps us:
- Identify high-risk vegetation
- Create targeted, long-term trimming plans
- Use resources more efficiently
We’re working toward expanding IVMS citywide as we adopt a more proactive and preventative approach to vegetation management.
Safety-related tree concerns
If you see a tree that poses an immediate danger — such as sparking, arcing or contact with powerlines — call us at 416-542-8000 (press 1). Our Trouble Dispatch team is available 24/7.
Note: Toronto Hydro only trims or removes trees when there is a public safety or electrical reliability concern. Our team will assess the situation before taking action.