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 Georgia, public utility companies are typically granted utility easements, which are rights to use a portion of a property owner's land for certain purposes such as placing and accessing transmission, distribution, or power lines. These easements are necessary for the installation, repair, and maintenance of utility infrastructure. Utility easements are often established through negotiations and are recorded in the property's deed. When an easement is in place, utility companies have the authority to remove or trim trees and perform other actions necessary to ensure the proper functioning of their services, while complying with any conditions or limitations specified in the easement agreement. Property owners cannot build structures or otherwise impede the utility's access to the easement area. Disputes over easements may be resolved through negotiation or, if necessary, through legal action. Georgia law requires utility companies to follow certain procedures when exercising their rights under an easement, including providing notice to property owners in some cases.