Trees are the primary cause to interruptions in distribution lines. Branches of trees may reach out for the lines causing earth faults. A branch which breaks during a storm and falls on a line can cause short-circuits or cause the conductor to break and fall resulting in death to people below.
Hence, it is necessary that every distribution system has a comprehensive tree management program, Trees along a distribution line should be periodically inspected and periodically pruned to prevent any contact with the lines.
In forested areas, trees below transmission lines can be cut and replaced with vegetation which does not grow too high. This Tree clearing can be done once every 6 to 12 years.
Weak trees which can fall on the lines shoudld be identified and cut down.
Tree Maintenance should be done taking the help of a qualified arborist (a person who specialises in trees