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Toll-Free: (800) 461-5539
Phone: (509) 886-1566
Fax: (509) 884-5464
Address:
Mail:
PO Box 75
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Physical:
4857 Contractors Drive
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
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Tree Planting - Avoiding Utilities
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.
Often, we take our utility services for granted because they have become a part
of our daily lives. For us to enjoy the convenience of reliable, uninterrupted service,
distribution systems are required to bring utilities into our homes. These services
arrive at our homes through overhead or underground lines. Overhead lines can be
either electric, telephone, or cable television. Underground lines include these
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 will
provide trouble-free beauty and pleasure for years to come.
Overhead Lines
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 will ultimately require 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 which must be pruned away from power
lines are under greater stress and more susceptible to insects and disease. Small,
immature trees planted today can become problem trees in the future. 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 co-exist without problems. However, trees planted near
underground lines could have their roots damaged if the lines need to be dug up
for repairs. Consult your tree care professional or garden center staff for assistance
in choosing the tree which will have the right type of root system for the location
you have chosen.
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
below 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 60 feet (20m) or more in height.
Larger types of trees can be used here; 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 (11m) 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
very wide planting areas or medians [greater than 8' (3m)] which 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 no taller than 40 feet (12m).
These trees are used to decorate or frame your house or provide a park-like setting.
Select your trees first, then plant shrubs to complement the trees. Medium-sized
trees are also recommended for planting anywhere the above and below ground growing
space will allow for reaching a mature height of 30' - 40' (10m - 12m). Appropriate
soil spaces are: wide planting areas or medians [4' (1m) - 8' (3m) wide], large
planting squares [8' (3m) square or greater] and other open areas of similar size
or larger.
Low Zone: Trees that grow no taller than 20 feet (6m).
This zone extends 15 feet (4.5m) on either side of the wires. Trees with a mature
height of less than 20 feet (6m) may be planted anywhere within this zone, including
street tree plantings under utility lines. They are also recommended when the growing
space is limited. These trees are also appropriate for narrow planting areas [less
than 4' (1m) 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
Windbreaks
Plant evergreen trees on the west or north side of the house, approximately 50 feet
(15m) or more from the house.
Temperature
Plant deciduous (autumn leaf-dropping) trees 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. Planning
before planting will help you to be sure that the right tree is planted in the right
place. Proper tree selection and placement will enhance your property value and
prevent costly maintenance trimming and damage to your home. Good landscaping utilizes
shrubs and low-growing trees that are compatible with utility lines. Low-growing
trees will not reach utility lines. They will not, therefore, create public safety
hazards or cause service interruptions to you or your neighbors, nor will they require
severe pruning. For further information on planting and helpful tips on tree selection
be sure to pick up the International Society of Arboriculture publications entitled
New Tree Planting and Tree Selection available from your tree care professional
or at your local garden center. If you have any more questions, please contact your
tree care professional, utility company, local nursery, or county extension office.
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