Public utility companies (gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, cable, etc.) often have easements to place utility transmission, distribution, or power lines on private property and access them for installation, repair, and maintenance—including removing or trimming trees that might interfere with transmission or distribution power lines, for example. These easements are known as utility easements or public utility easements.
In Montana, public utility companies are typically granted utility easements, which are rights to use a portion of private property for utility infrastructure such as gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, and cable lines. These easements allow the utility companies to install, repair, and maintain their infrastructure. Utility easements are often established through negotiations and are recorded in the property's deed. Montana law allows for the removal or trimming of trees by utility companies if they interfere with utility lines, as this is necessary to ensure the reliability and safety of utility services. The specifics of each easement can vary, and they are governed by the terms of the easement agreement and applicable state statutes, including Title 70, Chapter 30 of the Montana Code Annotated, which addresses easements in general.