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 New Jersey, public utility companies such as those providing gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, and cable services are typically granted utility easements to install, repair, and maintain their infrastructure on private property. These easements allow the utility companies legal access to a specific portion of the property for the purpose of laying transmission or distribution lines and related facilities. The easement rights also include the ability to remove or trim trees that could interfere with the utility services. Utility easements are often established through agreements with property owners or by following statutory procedures, and they are recorded in the property's deed. When a utility easement is in place, the property owner retains ownership of the land, but the utility has the right to use the land for the specific purposes outlined in the easement agreement. New Jersey law requires utility companies to provide notice to property owners before conducting work on the easement and to restore the property to its original condition after any necessary work is completed.