Is live vegetation such as trees allowed to support overhead conductor spans?

Live vegetation such as trees is generally not permitted to support overhead conductor spans due to safety and reliability concerns. Trees can sway or move with the wind, which could lead to contact between the conductors and the tree, potentially causing short circuits, outages, or even electrical hazards. Additionally, over time, trees can grow, reducing the clearance required by electrical codes and placing the conductor at risk of contact or damage.

In most regulations, including those established by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), conductors must have a certain clearance from vegetation to ensure safe operation and maintenance. By prohibiting the use of live vegetation for support, regulatory frameworks ensure consistent safety standards are maintained for power distribution systems. This prevents hazards that might arise from natural growth or environmental factors.