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Hello folks,  
Just wondering what your experiences are.  
I have a huge maple tree in my yard that has branches reaching the hydro lines.  
I called MB hydro and was told they would come and cut the branches.  
Nothing happened, so I called back again, and was told that they do not cut the branches.  
Does it depend who you talk to, or do you think I just talked to someone new?  
Has anybody had branches cut by Mb Hydro, when they are touching the wires, or is it our own responsibility to hire someone?  
 
As another option, if someone would like to cut down the tree, and take it away, for firewood, I would consider this as well.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by Jean , 2015-07-17 18:21:58

At my parents farm there are four maple trees growing through the high voltage lines, and they have been trying to get hydro to do something about it for the past fourteen years... The trees had been there a good 30 years before the lines were put there, but hydro says it's our fault for planting them there. There have been numerous times my dad has called, and they said they would do something about it, but it would probably be fourteen plus months. Doesn't seem it's possible to get a straight answer from Manitoba Hydro I'm afraid.

Last year they came and cut at least six of our trees branches and left one heck of a mess. I didn't call they just came and said they were doing it.

I got a run around from the local office so I phoned the customer service office in Winnipeg. They came and cut the branches a hour later.  
 
Never try to cut the branches touching hydro wires yourself!  
 
 
 
Edited by maxster, 2015-07-17 18:50:35

I wouldn't cut trees myself near any hydro lines. My hair is curly enough, thank you! lol  
 
I know the Hydro guys and gals, are very busy, I am so thankful when our power goes out, and they have to come and save us.  
 
So, maybe I just have to call the right number, and it will work out.  
 
Thanks everyone.  
 
 
 
Edited by Jean , 2015-07-17 18:52:16

There are two very large maples between my neighbour and me and very close to the Hydro lines. They come every year and trim them.  
Usually they do an excellent job of cleaning up. This year they contracted the work out and it was not as good, but still got it done.  
I'd call back again and tell them you are getting different answers.

Came home today after running errands to see that Mb Hydro had been here and trimmed the branches which were touching the lines.  
Good job Folks! Now, I don't have to climb up on a ladder and get a jolt!  
Thanks!

CatMan said "There are two very large maples between my neighbour and me and very close to the Hydro lines. They come every year and trim them.   Usually they do an excellent job of cleaning up. This year they contracted the work out and it was not as good, but still got it done.   I'd call back again and tell them you are getting different answers. "

Any trees near lines, but I watch year after year as they come and hack off the tops.  
 
As you say, they have always done a nice job and clean up well, but this year the contracted out company just destroyed the trees.....wow they look terrible and they left mess behind. Very odd.  
 
To the OP - maybe just in time, with the worrisome weather later on, you will be glad they did it.

They did tell me on the phone that I would be responsible for cleaning up the branches.  
So I was aware of this, and will get somebody to help haul them away.  
 
Yes, maybe just in time too!

I was a contractor that cleared the lines for hydro in Brandon and surrounding towns for several years and I'm quite surprised to hear that a contracted company did a poor job. In my experience, it was often Hydro apprentices that did the trimming which was all about clearing the lines and nothing about proper tree pruning.