Plan Before You Plant

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Plan Before You Plant

CHAMPAIGN, IL - In this modern world, we sometimes don't pay close attention to the conveniences that are all around us. We have grown so accustomed to having water, power, and telephone service in our homes that we hardly think about how they get there until there is a problem! To avoid some of these problems, homeowners should survey their property for possible conflicts with utility lines, both above and below the ground before planting a new tree.

"Trees that are small now can create significant problems in the future as they grow into maturity and into power lines," says Derrick Vannice, Executive Director, Utility Arborist Association (UAA). Trees should be planted with the location of utility lines in mind, as this can impact the growth of the tree, and the security of your utility supply.

Utility Lines Above Ground
Most of us are used to seeing overhead lines supplying electricity, telephone, or cable television service, but are not aware of the dangers that they can present. Children or adults climbing in tall trees planted under utility lines are at risk of being gravely injured or possibly killed if they accidentally come into contact with the wires.

Tall trees growing under utility lines also threaten service interruptions if their branches come into contact with wires. According to Vannice, "Planting a tall growing tree under a power line will not allow the tree to realize its proper size and form." Selecting the proper tree species and planting site, away from overhead utilities, can help eliminate service outages and public safety hazards. Planting trees away from power lines protects the appearance of your landscape, and can save utility companies and their rate payers from costly maintenance..

Underground Utility Lines
Utilities such as water, natural gas, and sewage can be harder to recognize, and can present problems if a tree's root system grows too close to these underground lines. A tree's root system is often larger than the branch spread above the ground. For the most part, tree roots and underground utility lines coexist without problems. However, when a tree is planted too near utility lines, damage to the root system of tree is a common result when they must be dug up for repairs.

The biggest danger to homeowners exists during the planting of new trees. Before you decide to plant, you should check with your local utility companies to determine the location of all underground utility lines. Accidentally digging into utility lines can result in personal injury, or service interruption. Often utility lines are closer to the surface than we think, so knowing their exact position is the best way to avoid trouble.

Planting Trees Around Homes
This illustration indicates approximately where trees should be planted in relation to utility lines.

• Tall Zone - Appropriate area for trees that grow as tall as 60 feet. Should be planted at least 35 feet from the house to allow for root development and to minimize damage to the house.
• Medium Zone - Appropriate for trees that grow up to 40 feet tall. Should have planting areas at least four to eight feet wide. These trees provide decoration or framing for your house.
• Low Zone - For trees that grow no more than 20 feet tall. Must be planted in an area extending at least 15 feet on either side of the utility wires. Low zone trees are good for areas with limited growing space, such as narrow planting areas (less than four feet wide).

Plan Before You Plant
Selecting the right tree for the location is the first step to lowering your risk of damage to both home and property. Proper tree choice and placement also enhances your property value, and prevents costly and sometimes unsightly maintenance trimming.

If you need help selecting the right tree for your landscape, consult a nursery or an ISA Certified Arborist or an ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist. For more information on tree selection and new tree planting, or to find a Certified Arborist in your area, visit www.treesaregood.org. To learn more about trees and utilities go to www.utilityarborist.org.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, IL, is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org. Also, as a part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com.