FAQ

Why does Hydro-Québec want to cut down trees that seem far from the power lines?

The mandatory minimum distances between vegetation and the power lines depend on several factors:

The type of line: The electricity transmission lines (on towers or large wood poles) require greater clearance than distribution lines (on the wood poles you see near your home).
The voltage: Transmission line voltages vary between 44 and over 735 kV. The higher the tension, the greater the distance should be between the vegetation and the lines.
The type of vegetation: It is important to account for tree height at maturity. Certain species are incompatible with electrical lines.
Tree health: A weak or sick tree can threaten the safety of the electrical network.

Forestry specialists at Hydro-Québec are trained to assess the vegetation management measures that should be undertaken near power lines. It is important to remember that vegetation management work is essential to ensure safety and service continuity.

Watch the animation to learn more.

Learn more about the differences between the transmission and distribution lines.

Can I prune the trees growing near power lines?

Hydro-Québec is prohibited from delegating the management of the trees located in rights-of-way to unqualified individuals. This safety precaution is strictly enforced. Never try to prune or cut down a tree growing near a power line. Only a Hydro-Québec forestry specialist can assess the work that must be carried out by qualified professionals.

I am opposed to Hydro-Québec's plan to cut down a tree I own located in a transmission line right-of-way. Do I have any recourse?

Hydro-Québec holds rights on the land on which its infrastructures are built and may eliminate vegetation whenever it sees fit. Forestry professionals will determine the necessary vegetation management methods to ensure safety and service continuity.

Watch the animation to learn more.

Can Hydro-Québec cut down trees growing outside the transmission line right-of-way?

Under certain circumstances, Hydro-Québec must maintain the vegetation growing outside the transmission line servitude. It has the right to do so without having to provide compensation if safety of service continuity is compromised (for example, a weak tree may cause an outage if it falls). Safety and service continuity must be ensured at all times.

The Guide to Ornamental Trees and Shrubs lists the species that are compatible with the electrical system. Do these guidelines apply for all types of lines?

No. The Guide to Ornamental Trees and Shrubs lists the species and clearance distances for distribution lines. Before planting vegetation in electric transmission line rights-of-way, contact Hydro-Québec. Safety first!

Learn more about the differences between the transmission and distribution lines.

Learn more about the dos and don'ts near electric transmission line rights-of-way.

Use the online tool to choose the right tree to plant near a distribution line.

Is it dangerous to eat wild berries that have been sprayed with the herbicides used by Hydro-Québec?

There is no danger of becoming sick from eating berries gathered in a power line right-of-way after herbicides have been applied. The products used by Hydro-Québec do not concentrate in the food chain (they are non-bioaccumulating) and decay rapidly when exposed to light and to micro-organisms in the soil. If ingested, they are quickly and naturally excreted through the feces and urine.