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 Colorado, public utility companies are granted utility easements to install, repair, and maintain infrastructure such as gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, and cable lines on private property. These easements, which are often recorded in property deeds or as separate legal documents, provide the utility companies with the right to use a portion of the land for their utility lines and related equipment. The scope of the easement typically includes the right to enter the property to conduct necessary work, which may involve removing or trimming trees that could interfere with utility lines. Property owners are generally not allowed to build structures or plant trees within an easement area that would obstruct the utility's access or operation. Colorado law requires utility companies to follow certain procedures when exercising their rights under an easement, including providing notice to property owners when maintenance or tree trimming is necessary. Disputes over the extent of these easements or damages caused by utility companies can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.