Can You Plant Trees Over Buried Electric?

Planting trees is a great way to beautify your yard and increase the value of your property. However, before you start digging, you should consider whether there are any buried electric lines or cables in your yard. Planting trees over buried electric can be dangerous and cause damage to the wires. Here are some things you should know before planting trees over buried electric.

Understanding the Risks

Planting trees over buried electric can pose several risks. If you accidentally strike an electric line while digging or planting, you can be electrocuted or cause a power outage in your neighborhood. Tree roots can also grow around and damage electric wires, causing costly repair bills and potential hazards. Additionally, planting trees over electric lines can make it difficult for utility workers to access and repair the infrastructure in the future.

Identifying Buried Electric

Before planting trees, you should always identify whether there are any buried electric lines or cables on your property. You can contact your utility company and ask for a map of your utility lines or hire a professional tree service to locate any underground wires. It's essential to get this information before planting trees to avoid potential damage and ensure that you are planting in a safe location.

Planting Trees Near Electric Lines

If there are buried electric lines near where you want to plant trees, you should adjust your planting location to ensure that the trees are at least 20 feet away from overhead electric lines and 10 feet away from buried electric lines. This distance will help keep your trees and your property safe from potential hazards. Planting trees away from buried electric lines will also make it easier for utility workers to access and repair the infrastructure in the future.

Choosing the Right Trees

When planting trees near buried electric lines, you should choose trees that can grow tall without spreading their roots too far. Trees with a shallow root system, such as dogwood, red maple, or crepe myrtle, are a better option than trees with deeper roots, such as oaks or willows. Choosing the right trees can help prevent root damage to electric wires and reduce the risk of costly repairs and potential hazards.

The Bottom Line

Planting trees in your yard can add beauty and value to your property. However, it's essential to consider the potential risks of planting trees over buried electric. Always identify buried electric lines before planting trees and adjust your planting location to keep your trees and your property safe. Choosing the right trees can also help prevent root damage to electric wires and reduce the risk of costly repairs and potential hazards. By taking these precautions, you can safely plant trees in your yard without harming the electric infrastructure or risking your safety.