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Planting Trees and Shrubs Near Power Lines

Trees and Power Lines

Adding trees or shrubs to your property can improve the look of your landscaping and provide shade and privacy. If you’re considering planting some new trees and shrubs, there are a few things to consider before you select your plants and begin digging. Like most vegetation, trees and shrubs grow wider and taller over the years, and if not planted strategically, they can end up interfering with power lines and creating an expensive safety concern for you and your neighborhood. There are some simple rules of thumb to follow in order to avoid these issues and still enjoy beautiful trees and shrubbery on your property.

Planting Based on Tree Size

If your neighborhood has power lines running above ground, then considering the placement of trees and shrubs is essential. Although most power companies prune and maintain trees that grow along power lines, you can do your part to help by planning ahead. This doesn’t mean that you can’t plant trees or shrubs beneath the path of power lines, but it does mean that you’ll have to be careful with the types of vegetation you plant.

Considering the size of a mature tree or shrub is a smart way to decide whether or not you should plant it beneath a power line. As a rule, if you’re planting a tree that grows more than 40 feet tall at maturity, like a Blue Spruce, White Fir, or Oak, then you should plant it at least 50 feet away from overhead power lines. Trees or shrubs that reach between 16-40 feet in height, such as Junipers, Arborvitaes, or Magnolias, should be planted at least 20 feet away from a power line. If you want to plant within 20 feet of a power line, select trees and shrubs like Crabapple, Dogwood, or Hawthorn, that reach a maximum height of 15 feet.

Planting based on distance and maturity size will help to ensure that trees and shrubs don’t eventually grow big enough to interfere with the power lines above them and cause power outages or downed lines.

Contact Your Power Company and Municipality

Another step you can take to further ensure that your trees and shrubs are planted in safe areas of your property is to contact your power company. Power companies will confirm that the area in which you want to dig is clear of utility lines. Also, contact your local municipality in order to make sure that you have the right to dig and plant in the area you have selected. Many times cities or municipalities own the land between the sidewalk and the road or even the land along property lines. Checking on these items before you plant will save you time and money.

If you need help planting trees or shrubs on your property, contact the professionals at Horhut Tree Experts. We are trained to plant and care for the trees and shrubs on your property, and we will ensure that your vegetation is both beautiful and safe for you and your neighborhood! Call us today at: 412-855-2703.

Jaime Horhut
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