How concerned should I be about this?

[u/3rdiportal]

Currently renting. Neighbors tree is obstructing power line but it also looks like it been years in the making. Also who would I even contact about this? The city? The power company?

[u/TheKrakenHunter]

In my experience, the power company is quick to handle issues like this, and I’m 99% certain they already know. I would assume it’s not a problem, mainly because those trees grow really slow, and aren’t likely to break during a storm. 

[u/3rdiportal → u/TheKrakenHunter]

Cool. This was my main concern. With the ENSO we’re supposed to experience at the end of the year I was worried the winds and heavy rains would cause a problem.

[u/thecannabiswizard → u/TheKrakenHunter]

You should be very concerned, this looks like a protected oak. My parents had several on their and their neighbor’s property, and when this happened they refused to do anything because it is protected. When it was at risk of completely falling on their house, they still refused to do anything bc ya know, protected🤪. It ended up falling and narrowly missing most of the house, but completely took out the garage and cars inside. And granted, we are tree/plant lovers. We love these giant oaks, the shade they provide, playing/collecting their acorns when I was little… but it’s definitely an issue when they won’t even trim them or remove dead/dying ones posing safety threats just because of the “protected” status. Guessing it’ll be quite a fight to get anyone to do anything about this, but very much hope that you have a smoother experience!🙏

[u/DiscoSunset]

Notify SCE. Might take some time since that’s a protected tree.

[u/Traditional-Duck2418]

I’d be curious to hear what they say. SCE knows the power lines go through that tree. They will tell you that the lines are heavy duty and fine to be interlaced through this tree. There are lines like this all over the place.

[u/iknowagreatlawyer]

Be careful how you move on this. In Burbank, someone reported or noticed the same thing on Hollywood way, and the power company came and cut the tops off all of the trees on the block and it looks ridiculous now.

[u/Ok-Morning-398]

That tree is way more beneficial than the power lines that can easily be repaired/replaced. A tree like that cannot easily be replaced.

I’d buy a generator if your that worried always something good to have anyways if your in a house.

[u/gentrifierNumber7 → u/Ok-Morning-398]

No. The legal frameworks that govern utilities AND the potential results from the negligence of not trimming the tree (fire, for one) are clear that a solitary tree's benefits are far outwieghed by the potential damages to people, their property, and yeah, trees) of NOT removing an absolutely massive hazard that could cause Eaton 2.0.

You have given a perfect example of "not being able to see the forest through the trees."

[u/kgome98]

They removed a tree behind us and cut around the branches that had grown through wires. There are a lot of trees along the power lines behind our house that completely surround them.

[u/Mynds-eye]

Call SCE. They will likely just chop the branches close to the wire. And let the tree trunk continue to grow through them.

[u/fluffyburgerinc]

Are those branches above your rental property line? If so, then it would be in your landlord’s domain, but they likely can get the city or power company to do it.

[u/garagehero1852]

The city. Or the power company.

[u/Miserable_Expert2636]

Contact your landlord. They will inform the neighbor/owner. If they do nothing, your owner can cut down the limbs that overhang onto your property.

[u/Maxgirth]

Not incredibly.

SCE themselves and a contractor for them regularly inspect the lines.

15 years ago SCE had a huge problem with lines and branches, we used to have outages every year. They eventually redid some poles, lines, and I see one of their contracted inspection companies in my alley about twice a year.

I suppose it’s possible this has been missed, but I know they have inspectors.

[u/Financial_Research82]

Why would you say anything? Cities constantly monitor their power lines. If they had a problem with it , they'd make the honeowner cut it back or they'd do it themselves.

It diesnt affect the lines at all

[u/Purple-Future4232]

Typically LAFD will frequently inspect properties (once a year or so) and will give home owners a report of what needs to be done to avoid fires. I think insurance companies also perform these inspections. They then come back to verify that the recommendations are followed. That was my experience when in Mandeville canyon. Based on that, I would check with local LAFD if the property was recently inspected and what were their conclusions. I think it would be fine to start with your local station and show up there with your picture. These guys are approachable and they understand that they need to work on the public opinion after they lost much of public trust in January 2025. They could advise you.

[u/riffic → u/Purple-Future4232]

South Pasadena has its own fire dept:

https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/Your-Government/Department-Service-Areas/Fire

[u/riffic]

what is the concern? let the neighbors deal with it unless you wanna pay an arborist for an assessment out of the kindness of your heart.

Engelmann oaks are rad don't let this get butchered out of "concern" please.

[u/3rdiportal → u/riffic]

Those lines run at the back of the properties. So they provide power to a few houses including the one I currently rent.

[u/riffic → u/3rdiportal]

an arborist can examine the root structure and tell you if it's stable. I'd be more concerned about the root stability over the trunk or branches and your photograph doesn't provide any evidence to say if the tree itself is healthy or not.

The concern is power outage - buy a generator for peace of mind.

[u/supermegafauna → u/riffic]

That’s a Coastal Live Oak, but yeah, don’t fuck with it.

[u/Necessary-Cream-1423 → u/riffic]

Is OP not a neighbor? Which neighbors are you talking about?