AVOIDING TREE AND UTILITY CONFLICTS

    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 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 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
    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.
    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
    TALL ZONE

    Trees that grow as tall as 60 feet (20 meters) can be used in the area
    known 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.
    If you have any more questions, please contact one of our ISA Certified
    Arborists.