Should trees be considered proper support for overhead conductor spans?

Trees should not be considered reliable support for overhead conductor spans due to several important reasons. Although trees may appear to provide adequate support, they are not stable structures like utility poles. Trees can sway in the wind and are subject to environmental factors such as growth, decay, and damage from storms or pests, which can compromise their integrity as a support structure.

Additionally, trees can grow over time, which might lead to increased tension on the conductors if they get too close or touch the tree branches. This can create safety hazards, such as electrical shorts or faults, especially if the conductors are not insulated. Moreover, as trees shed leaves or branches, or if they become unstable, they could pose a higher risk of failure.

In terms of electrical safety and code compliance, reliable support structures are essential for the safe installation and operation of overhead conductors, and trees do not meet these standards. For these reasons, relying on trees for supporting conductor spans is discouraged in electrical installations.