JCP&L Trees Near Power Lines: What They Will & Won't Do

Published October 19, 2026 · Ocean County Tree Service

Short answer: JCP&L trims trees around its pole-to-pole distribution lines on a four-year cycle and will assess a tree you report, free. It does not remove trees near the service drop (the wire from the pole to your house), does not clean up storm debris, leaves wood over 4 inches thick, and won't trim for cable or phone lines. For a service-drop tree, JCP&L disconnects the power and your licensed tree company does the work.

Will vs. won't, from JCP&L's own pages

Situation	Who handles it	Cost to you	Source
Limbs growing into pole-to-pole (primary/distribution) lines	JCP&L, on its 4-year cycle or after you report it	$0	JCP&L's 2023 bill insert on tree trimming; a JCP&L news release
Dead tree within ~10 ft of pole-to-pole lines along a road	JCP&L may inspect and prioritize it	$0	a JCP&L dead-tree notice shared by Knowlton Township
Tree near the service drop (pole to your house)	You, with a licensed tree company; JCP&L disconnects service	Tree work + possible disconnect fee	FirstEnergy's Report a Tree Problem page
Cleanup after routine trimming	JCP&L chips brush and rakes; wood over 4" left for you	$0 (you dispose of logs)	FirstEnergy's Report a Tree Problem page
Cleanup after storm restoration	You; crews clear wires only	Your cost (insurance may help)	FirstEnergy's Report a Tree Problem page
Stumps and roots of trees JCP&L removes	You; crews don't remove stumps	Your cost	JCP&L's 2023 bill insert on tree trimming
Cable, phone or fiber lines	Your cable/phone provider	Varies	FirstEnergy's Report a Tree Problem page
Street or yard lights	Not JCP&L tree crews	Your cost	FirstEnergy's Report a Tree Problem page

Based on FirstEnergy/JCP&L published material as of October 2026. Policies can change; confirm with JCP&L for your address.

Why most outages come from trees JCP&L doesn't own

JCP&L says 86% of its tree-related outages in 2023 were caused by trees outside its rights-of-way (a JCP&L news release), meaning trees on private property, usually healthy-looking oaks and pines that fail whole in a storm. JCP&L only trims inside its clearance zone, so a dead pitch pine 40 feet back from the road in a Toms River or Manchester yard is still the homeowner's problem until it falls.

Need a tree looked at or priced? Request a free quote in about a minute.

Get a free quote

Why you shouldn't trim near lines yourself

Work near energized lines is restricted to qualified line-clearance tree workers, and OSHA's crane and equipment rules start at a 20-foot minimum clearance for lines up to 350 kV unless the line is de-energized or other protections apply (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1408). That's why a regular tree company has JCP&L drop or cover the service first. If you're also grinding a stump near buried lines, call NJ One Call (811) first; it's free and required.

How to get JCP&L to look at a tree

Make sure it isn't an emergency. Wire down, sparking or a tree on a line: call 911 and JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877.
Otherwise, log into your JCP&L account and use FirstEnergy's Report a Tree Problem page. A company forester assesses it.
Note which wire it's near: the high wires on top of the poles (JCP&L) or the single wire to your house (you).
If it's yours, get a quote from a licensed company that will coordinate the disconnect. See tree trimming and tree removal.

Is your town JCP&L?

JCP&L serves most of Ocean County, including Toms River, Brick, Jackson, Lakewood, Manchester, Berkeley. Some southern shore areas are served by Atlantic City Electric, so check your bill. Before storm season, see our nor'easter checklist and emergency tree service.

FAQ

Will JCP&L remove a tree near my power line for free?

JCP&L trims and sometimes removes trees that threaten its pole-to-pole distribution lines, on its schedule, at no charge. It does not remove trees near the service line that runs from the pole to your house; that's the homeowner's job, though JCP&L will disconnect the service so your contractor can work safely (fees may apply).

How often does JCP&L trim trees?

JCP&L says it inspects and trims distribution lines on a four-year cycle using directional pruning.

Does JCP&L clean up after trimming?

During routine maintenance it chips branches and rakes up, but leaves wood over 4 inches in diameter for the owner. During storm restoration it clears wires only and does not clean up debris.

Who do I call about a tree on a cable or phone line?

Your cable or phone company. JCP&L says it does not prune for phone or cable lines.

What if a tree is on a power line right now?

Stay at least 30 feet away, call 911 and report it to JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877. Never cut or move limbs touching a wire.

Cost and permit guides

Sources are linked in the text and can change. This is general information, not legal, insurance or professional advice. Free referral service, not a tree company. Your request goes to one independent local tree company, which may pay us for the referral.