Planting trees can do wonders for the place’s curb appeal if you nail the placement and height to maximize much-needed shade in your yard. Over time, these trees may help to increase energy efficiency and reduce your increasingly astronomical cooling costs. Still, before you shop for a sapling and start digging, you need to know a few landscaping guidelines for planting trees – including how to go about safely planting near power lines.
If you need pointers on where to add new trees, 3 Dads Tree Service, the ultimate tree service in Trinidad, CA, has some tips on proper placement below. That way, you can plant trees without putting yourself or your home in jeopardy in the years to come.
Planting Near Above-Ground Power Lines
Are you planting trees near power lines that are above the ground? The biggest concern will be the tree height and proximity to the utility lines.
When trees are too close to the lines, they can increase the risk of power outages, shocks, and fire. All it takes is for one branch to pull on the lines and create an arc or sparks, and you could be facing a destructive wildfire. So, as a general rule, the taller the tree’s mature height, the further away from the power lines you need to plant it.
For example, a small tree that will top out at about 20 feet, like a magnolia or Japanese maple, needs to be planted 20 feet from the power lines. A tree that reaches 40 feet may need to be at least 50 to 60 feet away from these lines to grow unhindered.
If you’re planting trees, know that tree pruning is common for anything planted too close to the power lines. If the lines run through the branches, the local utility company or municipality may even require that you remove the tree. It depends on whether the tree presents a danger to the neighborhood’s electrical safety.
Planting Near Underground Power Lines
Underground utility lines have become increasingly common, so let’s see how those might affect where you put your new tree in the ground. The tree height won’t be a concern, but the root spread and planting process need some careful thought.
Did you know that planting trees near power lines that are buried underground requires permission? Call 811 before digging so that the power company will visit your home to mark the location of any buried electrical lines. The gas and water company will also let you know where their lines sit so that you can avoid digging anywhere near there while you’re planting a tree.
Additionally, tree roots can create major headaches for underground electrical lines. Calculate how far out the roots will grow using the tree’s mature height as a guide.
Get Professional Help for Safe Tree Planting
Do you need some help choosing trees? Do you want to know the best way to start planting trees near power lines? In Trinidad, CA, you can contact 3 Dads Tree Services at (707) 506-6602 for expert advice and tree care.