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Plant Trees Safely
Whether planting trees to provide a windbreak, shade, reduce carbon emissions, or beautify your landscape, it is important to plant tall-growing trees safely away from power lines. To avoid future electrical hazards, select the right tree for the right place and plant safely.
Trees that grow too close to electric lines can create shock and fire hazards, as well as power outages. Trees and wood conduct electricity, causing outages or momentary interruptions when branches touch overhead lines. Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch can also cause fires.
If you have trees that appear to be growing into power lines, contact your electric utility. Never try to prune them yourself. Utilities have or can recommend skilled professionals trained to prune and trim trees for electric line clearance safely.
Seek help in choosing and placing trees that provide shade, color, and screening that won’t grow to interfere with the electric supply. When landscaping, take the time to research tree selections by consulting your local arborist, tree nursery, or utility – experts who can assist in designing a beautiful, shade-filled yard with trees appropriate for each area.
To avoid electrical hazards, use safe planting tips.
Mark Utility Line Locations
Before digging, submit a utility line locate request by contacting JULIE. Submit a report online or call 811 or the toll-free number 800-892-0123. Most electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications companies deliver utility services underground. These lines can be damaged during digging, causing costly repairs and even injury.
The utility service will mark where the lines are. Do not plant over or near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow to interfere with underground pipes, cables, and wires. Future repairs to these facilities also could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees.
Consider the Mature Tree's Size
There are wide, beautiful varieties of trees, low-growing trees, and shrubs that provide color, screening, and shade. Never plant a tree that could grow to 25 feet or more near a power line. Tall growing trees should be planted at least 20 feet away from power lines and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning issues. A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines.
Also, keep areas around electric meters, transformers, or other electrical equipment free of any vegetation that could limit utility service access.