Whether planting trees to provide a wind break, reduce carbon in the environment, or beautify your landscape, the Safe Electricity program reminds everyone of the importance of planting tall-growing trees safely away from power lines. Seek help in choosing and placing trees and bushes that provide shade, color, and screening that won’t grow to interfere with the electric supply.
Take the time to research tree selections by consulting your local arborist, tree nursery, or utility experts who can provide assistance in designing a beautiful, shade-filled yard with trees appropriate for each area of the landscape.
Choosing the right tree for the right place is crucial, especially when it comes to power lines. Trees and wood in general, conduct electricity and can create a safety hazard if grown close to electric lines. Power outages or momentary interruptions can occur when branches come into contact with overhead lines. Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch also can cause fires.
However, a greater concern is the safety risk when children climb trees near power lines. Accidental contact of electric wires with a tree limb or playing and trimming around the tree can be fatal. Parents and caregivers are urged to teach children never climb trees near power lines.
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 safely prune and trim trees for electric line clearance.
To avoid future electrical hazards, safe planting tips to remember include:
- Consider the mature height of a tree. Never plant a tree that could grow to 25 feet or more near a power line. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning. A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines.
- Do not plant 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.
- Keep areas around electric meters, transformers, or other electrical equipment free of any vegetation that could limit utility service access.
- Before digging, call 8-1-1 to have the locations of underground utilities marked so that accidental contact, damage, and injuries can be avoided.
To learn more about power line and safe digging, visit SafeElectricity.org.
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