Determining where to plant a tree is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Many
factors should be considered prior to planting. When planning what type of tree to plant,
remember to look up and look down to determine where the tree will be located in
relation to overhead and underground utility lines.








Overhead lines can be electric, telephone, or cable television. Underground lines include
those three plus water, sewer, and natural gas.

The location of these lines should have a direct impact on your tree and planting site
selection. The ultimate mature height of a tree to be planted must be within the available
overhead growing space. Just as important, the soil area must be large enough to
accommodate the particular rooting habits and ultimate trunk diameter of the tree.
Proper tree and site selection provide trouble-free beauty and pleasure for years to
come.

Overhead Lines














Tall-growing trees near overhead lines can cause service interruptions when trees
contact wires. Children or adults climbing in these trees can be severely injured or even
killed if they come in contact with the wires. Proper selection and placement of trees in
and around overhead utilities can eliminate potential public safety hazards, reduce
expenses for utilities and their rate payers, and improve the appearance of landscapes.

Underground Lines

Trees are much more than just what you see overhead. Many times, the root area is
larger than the branch spread above ground. Much of the utility service provided today
runs below ground. Tree roots and underground lines often coexist without problems.
However, trees planted near underground lines could have their roots damaged if the
lines need to be dug up for repairs.

The biggest danger to underground lines occurs during planting. Before you plant, make
sure that you are aware of the location of any underground utilities. To be certain that
you do not accidentally dig into any lines and risk serious injury or a costly service
interruption, call your utility company or utility protection service first. Never assume that
these utility lines are buried deeper than you plan to dig. In some cases, utility lines are
very close to the surface.

Proper Places for Trees Around Homes













The illustration indicates approximately where trees should be planted in relation to utility
lines. Your garden center staff or tree care professional will gladly help you select the
right tree.

Tall Zone

Trees that grow as tall as 60 feet (20 meters) can be used in the area marked as the tall
zone; however, you should consider your neighbor’s view or their existing plantings of
flower beds and/or trees.

Plant large trees at least 35 feet (11 meters) away from the house for proper root
development and to minimize damage to the house or building. These large-growing
trees are also recommended for streets without overhead restrictions.

Street planting sites must also have wide planting areas or medians [greater than 8 feet
(3 meters)] that allow for a large root system, trunk diameter, and root flare.

Large trees are also recommended for parks, meadows, or other open areas where their
large size, both above and below ground, will not be restricted, cause damage, or
become a liability.

Medium Zone

Trees that grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) tall can be used to decorate or frame your
house or provide a parklike setting. Select your trees first, then plant shrubs to
complement the trees. Medium-sized trees are also recommended for planting anywhere
the available above and below ground growing space will allow them to reach a mature
height of 30 to 40 feet (10 to 12 meters). Appropriate soil spaces are wide planting areas
or medians [4 to 8 feet (1 to 3 meters) wide], large planting squares [8 feet (3 meters)
square or greater], and other open areas of similar size or larger.

Low Zone

This zone extends 15 feet (4.5 meters) on either side of the wires. Trees with a mature
height of less than 20 feet (6 meters) may be planted anywhere within this zone,
including street tree plantings under utility lines. Such trees are also recommended when
the growing space is limited. These trees are appropriate as well for narrow planting
areas [less than 4 feet (1 meter) wide]; planting squares or circles surrounded by
concrete; large, raised planting containers; or other locations where underground space
for roots will not support tall- or medium-zone trees.

Some Further Suggestions

Plant evergreen trees to serve as windbreaks on the west or north side of the house,
approximately 50 feet (15 meters) or more from the house.

Plant deciduous trees (those that drop their leaves in the fall) on the south and/or west
side of the house to cool in the summer and allow sun to enter the house in the winter.

Right Tree—Right Place

Planning before planting can help ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place.
Proper tree selection and placement enhance your property value and prevent costly
maintenance trimming and damage to your home.


Utility Lines Pose Dangers After Storms

Winter storms season is upon us again, and that spells danger to our urban forest.
High winds, ice and snow put tremendous pressures on trees growing near houses or
power lines. In their wake, property owners face the task of clearing trees and downed
limbs.

“Storm cleanup is often when many property owners crank up their first chain saw,” notes
Robert Rouse, staff arborist for the National Arborist Association. “And, not surprisingly,
they injure themselves.

For those homeowners who do attempt this work—which is not recommended—here’s a
primer on safe tree and brush removal.

If a utility line is down:

  • Call the utility company immediately.
  • Assume any downed line is energized.
  • Don’t touch a tree or anything touching the downed line. Make sure that nobody
    else, including children and pets, goes near it. Contact with energized lines can
    result in electrocution.

When removing a tree:

  • Note the location of other people in the area and plan an escape route from the
    falling tree before cutting.
  • Carefully inspect the tree and the surrounding area for anything—utility lines,
    property, vehicles, etc.—that might get hit or interfere with the tree felling or
    removal.
  • Examine the shape and lean of the tree. Inspect the trunk for decay, weak spots or
    hanging limbs, and for any metal or concrete in or around the tree. If so, the tree is
    unstable, take extra precaution while removing that tree.
  • Even small trees bent under tension can be extremely hazardous.

Do not use a chain saw for tree removal unless you have years of experience handling
one. Even professional tree care personnel face risk of injury using chain saws. Tree
removals are very unpredictable — don’t take unnecessary chances!
Avoiding Tree & Utility Conflicts
US TREE SERVICE
Overhead utility lines are the easiest to see and
probably the ones we take most for granted. Although
these lines look harmless enough, they can be
extremely dangerous. Planting tall-growing trees under
and near these lines eventually requires your utility to
prune them to maintain safe clearance from the wires.
This pruning may result in the tree having an unnatural
appearance. Periodic pruning can also lead to a
shortened life span for the tree. Trees that must be
pruned away from power lines are under greater stress
and are more susceptible to insects and disease. Small,
immature trees planted today can become problem
trees in the future.
Often, we take utility services for granted
because they have become a part of our daily
reliable, uninterrupted service, distribution
systems are required to bring utilities into our
homes. These services arrive at our homes
through overhead or underground lines.