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Grow Smart, Power Safe
Trees add beauty and shade to your property, but improper placement near utility infrastructure can lead to dangerous situations, expensive tree removal, and power outages. By planning ahead, you can ensure a beautiful landscape that protects your family and maintains reliable electric service.
Plan Before You Plant
Trees that grow too tall near overhead power lines are the leading cause of short circuits, flickering lights, and major storm-related outages.
Consequences of Improper Planting:
- Safety hazards: Tall trees create a serious safety risk for children or adults who might climb them and come into contact with energized wires.
- Costly pruning: Utilities must prune trees for safe clearance, which often results in an unnatural appearance for the tree and increases maintenance costs.
- Tree health: Frequent, heavy pruning puts trees under stress, making them susceptible to insects, disease, and a shortened lifespan.
Recommended Planting Zones
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Protect Underground Lines: Call Before You Dig
It's easy to forget about the roots below the surface and the utility lines that are buried underground.
- Underground Danger: Utility services (electric, gas, water, communication) are often buried close to the surface. Hitting these lines while digging can cause serious injury, costly damage, and service interruptions. Tree roots can also be damaged if lines require repair digging later.
- The Law: State law requires you to call before starting any excavation.
Call 811: It's Mandatory
Before you put a shovel in the ground for any planting, fencing, or excavation project, you must call to have utility lines marked.
Still have questions?
If you have questions about safe tree clearance or utility rights-of-way, please contact us: (620) 872-5885