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225.26 Vegetation as Support.
Vegetation such as trees shall not be used for support of overhead conductor spans.
Where overhead conductor spans are attached to a tree, normal tree growth around the attachment device causes the mounting insulators to break and the conductor insulation to be degraded. The requirement in 225.26 reduces the likelihood of chafing of the conductor insulation and the danger of shock to tree trimmers and tree climbers. The 2002 Code has deleted the exception to 225.26 that appeared in previous editions, and trees are no longer permitted as support of overhead conductor spans, even on a temporary basis. However, outdoor luminaires and associated equipment are permitted by 410.16(H) to be supported by trees. To prevent the chafing damage, conductors are run up the tree from an underground wiring method. See 300.5(D) for protection of conductors.