Plant trees safely
How to stay safe when planting a tree - call before you dig, choose the right tree, choose the right location.
Trees enhance our quality of life and beautify our homes and neighborhoods. Yet improperly selected or sited trees can cause problems. Storms bring trees and limbs down on power lines, disrupting service and creating hazardous conditions. Even in good weather, a tree growing too close to power lines can endanger lives.
We work hard to provide you reliable electric service. You can help by following a few simple guidelines when managing the trees on your property.
Choose the right tree
When planting near power lines, choose trees that will grow no higher than 25 feet maturity. Power-friendly trees like these give you many options for spring and fall color, tree size and shape, and fruit. Ask your local nursery for help in selecting species or varietals. They can suggest choices that are appropriate for your landscape and climate.
Power Friendly Tree Varieties
- Amur Maple
- Vine Maple
- Japanese Snowbell
- Goldenrain
- Golden Desert Ash
- Mt. Fuji Cherry
- Japanese Tree Lilac
- Flowering Plum
- Serviceberry
Plant in the right place
Avoid planting trees directly under power lines. Within 30 feet of power lines, select trees that will grow no larger than 25 feet. Larger trees should be planted more than 30 feet away from power lines.
To reduce energy costs, plant leaf-bearing trees to the south, east and west of your house. You will stay cooler in the summer while enjoying winter sunlight. Site evergreens and shrubs to block cold winter winds.
