The first steps
Do these in order.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, or if you see sparks, smoke or fire.
- Stay well back and keep children, pets and neighbors away from the tree, the line and the ground around them.
- Do not touch the tree, a fence, a vehicle or anything else that could be in contact with the line.
- Call NV Energy to report the line. Their number is on your bill and at nvenergy.com.
- Once the utility has made the area safe, call us at 775.232.8243 for the tree.
Why distance matters
NV Energy says unqualified people must stay at least 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV. A downed line can still be live, and a tree touching a line can carry current to the ground around it. Do not assume a line is dead because it is quiet or because the power in your house is out.
Who handles what
NV Energy handles its own primary lines and the trees touching them. The service drop that runs from the pole to your house is the owner's responsibility, so a tree on that wire may need an electrician as well as a tree crew. Our service list includes utility and structure clearance, but we do not claim line-clearance certification, and we do not work on a tree that is in contact with a line until the utility has made it safe.
When to call us
Once the line is dealt with, or if the tree is on a roof or blocking a driveway but nowhere near a line, call 775.232.8243. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day. Our guide trees and power lines in NV Energy territory has more, and here is what to have ready.
Sources
- NV Energy: Tree trimming near power lines (read October 17, 2026)
- NV Energy: Overhead Power Line Safety brochure ("Be Safe. Be Legal.", NRS 455.200-455.240) (read October 17, 2026)