Tree Damage and Debris Removal
Ninety-nine percent of the power outages experienced by JEA customers during Hurricane Frances were caused by tree damage. These trees were growing too close to power lines. In some cases, fuses were blown when limbs brushed our power lines.
So, what happens when trees fall during a storm and damage lines and property?
- JEA is responsible for removing downed electric lines caused by tree damage on your property. Please call (904) 665-6000 to report downed electric lines.
- Your cable and/or phone service provider is responsible for the removal of cable or phone lines caused by tree damage.
- The homeowner is responsible for removing downed trees on private property, including the removal of trees leaning on the house, garage or other structures. If there is damage where the electric wires attach to the house, the homeowner must also hire an electrician to make repairs before we can restore power to your house.
- The City of Jacksonville Department of Public Works is responsible for clearing any downed trees in the roadways. Please contact (904) 630-CITY to report any roads blocked by fallen debris.
- JEA will clear from the lines only that section of a tree or limb that prevents a crew from repairing the JEA wires. Likewise, JEA will not remove limbs or trees from wires that are not JEA's, which includes phone and cable TV wires. Additionally, JEA
will not remove any limb or any part of a tree that is on a structure or building.
JEA makes a continual effort to limit potential damage to power lines from trees with our routine tree maintenance plan. We hire professional trimming contractors who use proper arboricultural pruning methods to keep the tree growth within acceptable limits. This is done under the close direction of JEA's foresters and certified arborists. Learn About JEA’s Tree Trimming Policy
Protect Your Trees
Have an arborist assess the status of the trees' health and consider the location and mature height of a tree before planting it. Also, make sure there is adequate clearance for the tree to grow and not interfere with utility lines and equipment. For example, if the mature height of a tree or bush is greater than 15 feet, do not plant it beneath electric lines. Learn more at treesaregood.com.
Questions regarding JEA's tree damage and debris removal process, or about how to protect your trees? JEA's arborists and professional foresters are here for you.