What it is
An easement is a recorded right, usually shown on a plat map or in a property's title papers. Power, gas, water and communications utilities each have their own. The easement width and the rights it gives are set by the document, which is why the answer to 'can I plant or keep a tree there' is on paper and not a general rule.
Easements also run along back lot lines in many subdivisions, where trees and fences sit in the path.
Why it matters in Northern Nevada
NV Energy handles its own primary lines and trims trees back from them. The service drop from the pole to the house is the owner's responsibility. Trees that grow into lines cause outages in snow and wind storms. Tree work near lines is dangerous; stay away from a line and call NV Energy if a tree touches one. See trees and power lines in NV Energy territory.
Where the easement lies is a question for the title papers, the plat or the utility, and not something to guess from the fence.
What an arborist does about it
Battle Born offers utility and structure clearance for branches near buildings and service lines on the owner's side, and the arborist will tell you where the job stops and the utility's work starts. Anything that involves the utility's primary lines is the utility's. Call before the tree reaches the line. See utility and structure clearance.
If you are planning any tree work near the back lot line or the street, look at your plat or title papers first, and call the utility with questions. Do not trim anything that is touching or near a power line yourself.
Sources
- NV Energy: Tree trimming near power lines (read October 17, 2026)
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts (read October 17, 2026)