Can You Plant Trees on a Utility Easement?

Property owners often wonder if they can plant trees and other vegetation on their utility easements. An easement is an area of land that belongs to the property owner but is reserved for a specific use, such as utility lines or drainage ditches. In most cases, utility companies have the right to access and maintain these areas, which can make planting trees tricky. Let's take a closer look at whether you can plant trees on a utility easement and what you need to consider.

What is a Utility Easement?

A utility easement is a portion of land that is granted to a utility company or other entity for specific use. This can include power lines, gas pipelines, water pipes, and more. In general, the easement belongs to the property owner, but the utility company has the right to use the land for the purpose outlined in the agreement.

Utility easements are typically outlined in the property deed or on a survey of the property. Property owners should be aware of the easements on their property as it can affect how they use the land.

Utility Companies and Tree Planting

The main concern of utility companies when it comes to tree planting near utility easements is the potential for damage to utility lines. Tree roots can damage or disrupt underground utility lines, which can cause outages, leaks, or other problems. Trees that grow too tall can also interfere with overhead lines, which can be dangerous and cause power outages.

Because of these concerns, many utility companies have guidelines in place for planting trees on utility easements. In many cases, they will require property owners to get approval before planting any trees or vegetation in these areas.

What to Consider Before Planting Trees on a Utility Easement

If you are considering planting trees on a utility easement, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Check your property deed or survey to identify the location and size of any easements. This will help you understand where you can plant and what restrictions might apply.

Research the guidelines of your utility company before undertaking any planting. Some companies may have specific requirements for the types of trees that can be planted or how far they need to be from utility lines.

Consider the potential impact of the tree on the utility lines. Will the roots grow too close to underground pipes or overhead wires? Will the tree grow too tall and interfere with overhead lines?

Think about the long-term maintenance of the tree. Who will be responsible for trimming branches or removing the tree if necessary?

Conclusion

In general, it is possible to plant trees on a utility easement, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and restrictions. Property owners should do their research and work with their utility company to ensure that any planting is done safely and appropriately. With proper planning and management, trees can add beauty and value to a property while still allowing utility companies to access and maintain their equipment.