Are BT responsible for maintaining their lines to be kept clear?

[SteveA]

BT have three poles running along the edge of our woodland (next to a small road). The supply is only to a neighbours house (we have no connection to the line).

 

A bunch of our trees have grown their branches into the line and really need cutting back.

 

Are BT responsible for cutting our trees back or are we expected to do this ourselves? Cheers, Steve

[skyhuck]

If its your supply your responsible (or can be) if its some one else's its BT's look out.

[Acg128]

Is that true? A client had a tree growing through about 8 lines none to themselves it claimed one line BT repaired and said to my client if another goes due to your tree it's you who's getting the bill....

[SteveA]

I've tried looking for some kind of tree policy thing on the BT website - without luck. May have to call Buzby for advice....

[treesrus]

phone lines through trees are common and usually not a problem. the line will (or should have) plenty of slack and the insulation is tough, so unless there is a clear snag producing tension in the line, no action is required.

[skyhuck]

phone lines through trees are common and usually not a problem. the line will (or should have) plenty of slack and the insulation is tough, so unless there is a clear snag producing tension in the line, no action is required.

 

No, branches moving in the wind will soon rub though the insulation.

[SteveA]

phone lines through trees are common and usually not a problem. the line will (or should have) plenty of slack and the insulation is tough, so unless there is a clear snag producing tension in the line, no action is required.

 

Some of the branches are pushing on the line quite a bit. Bit worried that the line may snap in the next batch of heavy wind.

[skyhuck]

Is that true? A client had a tree growing through about 8 lines none to themselves it claimed one line BT repaired and said to my client if another goes due to your tree it's you who's getting the bill....

 

As far as I'm aware yes, BT chose to run a wire over your land and through you trees to someone else so thats BT's choice, if you want BT to run a line to you, your responsible for the section over your land (or can be)

[skyhuck]

Some of the branches are pushing on the line quite a bit. Bit worried that the line may snap in the next batch of heavy wind.

 

Moden wires are extremely strong.

[treesrus]

No, branches moving in the wind will soon rub though the insulation.

no, they don't, those going through my tree took over 20 years of rubbing before an intermittent break developed, as i say, the insulation is tough.