Tree Strike Calculator

Will the tree reach the wire? Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²) for vegetation management.

Measurements
ft
ft
ft
ft
Results
Enter measurements
Diagonal to Wire (c)
—
Tree vs Wire
—
Clearance Gap
—
Diagram
Tree reach
+ Buffer zone
Diagonal (c)
Wire
Safety Reminders
  • Guy wires: Check for anchor cables — tree may strike guy wire before reaching primary conductor
  • Pole strike: Falling tree hitting pole can cause conductor failure even without direct wire contact
  • Service drops: Lower wires often closer to trees — verify all conductor levels
  • Underground: Root system and stump removal may damage buried lines
  • Dynamic loading: Wind, ice, and lean significantly increase effective strike distance

How It Works

a² + b² = c² — The diagonal from the tree base to the wire is the strike path.

Horizontal Distance (a) = ground distance from tree to pole. Line Height (b) = wire elevation.

Diagonal (c) = √(a² + b²). If tree height ≥ c, it can reach the wire.

Buffer zone adds a safety margin. Standard: 10-15 ft distribution, 20-50+ ft transmission.