True or False: The most common cause of tree-related service interruptions is mechanical tear down.

The assertion that the most common cause of tree-related service interruptions is mechanical tear down can be supported by the understanding of how trees interact with utility infrastructure. When trees come into contact with power lines or other utility networks, the resulting mechanical stress can lead to physical damage. This damage could manifest as broken lines, outages, or even structural failure of the utility poles themselves.

Mechanical tear down typically refers to the damage caused by forces such as wind or heavy ice loading on branches, which can lead to trees falling or large branches breaking off and striking utility lines. This kind of interruption is commonly exacerbated during severe weather events when trees are more likely to be stressed. However, mechanical issues can also occur in more routine conditions, especially in urban areas where trees are in close proximity to power lines.

Moreover, while tree roots can affect underground utilities and other issues such as encroachment may cause disturbances, mechanical tear down remains a direct and frequent cause of service interruptions. Therefore, stating that the most common cause of tree-related service interruptions is mechanical tear down aligns with documented patterns of utility disruptions caused by tree interactions.