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 Washington State, 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 running transmission or distribution lines and related equipment. The easements are often established through negotiations with property owners or by following statutory procedures and are recorded in the property's deed. Utility companies also have the right to remove or trim trees that may interfere with the utility services, as long as such actions are within the scope of the easement agreement. The specific rights and obligations of the utility companies and property owners are governed by the terms of the easement agreement and relevant Washington State statutes, such as RCW 80.28.010, which grants certain powers to public service companies, and RCW 64.04.130, which pertains to recording of easements.