Who is responsible for maintaining portions of a tree outside of the utility easement?

The property owner is indeed responsible for maintaining portions of a tree outside the utility easement primarily because the area outside the easement typically falls under the jurisdiction of the homeowner. While trees may be adjacent to utility lines and can pose risks, property owners are generally expected to manage their own trees and surrounding landscapes to prevent issues such as overgrowth or potential hazards that could affect the utility infrastructure.

This responsibility aligns with common practices regarding land ownership, where property owners are tasked with maintaining their property, including any trees or vegetation. The management can vary depending on local ordinances, but generally, the individual property owner is in the best position to make assessments about the health and stability of their trees, especially when the risk level is determined to be low.

In contrast, utility companies, local governments, or surrounding homeowners may have roles in tree management within their respective areas, but they typically do not assume the responsibility for portions of trees that lie outside of designated utility easements unless specific agreements or regulations dictate otherwise.