There are a number of concerns associated with mitigating danger trees along powerlines. Mechanical equipment can help control a tree's direction of fall, but site conditions may prevent mechanical mitigation in an area with powerlines. Sawyers using chain saws may provide a good alternative. Using chain saws to fell trees along powerlines can be dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced, qualified sawyers. Blasting along powerlines is the least preferred mitigation method because of the potential for flying debris and because explosives may make it difficult to control the tree's direction of fall.

Some utility companies work with the Forest Service to prevent trees from falling on powerlines (figure 18). These utility companies pay for the felling and removal of trees in some cases. A Forest Service COR must monitor the work to ensure contract compliance. New access sites to powerlines must be evaluated by an archaeologist and also must comply with NEPA.

Figure 18—An area where danger trees near powerlines have been mitigated.