Can You Plant Trees over Underground Utility Lines?

Planting trees is a great way to make your yard, neighborhood, or city look beautiful. Trees add natural shade, provide oxygen, and can even increase the value of your property. However, planting trees over underground utility lines can be dangerous and costly if the lines are damaged. In this article, we'll explore whether it's safe to plant trees over underground utility lines and what you should consider before planting.

The Risks of Planting Trees over Underground Utility Lines

Planting trees over underground utility lines can cause significant problems if the roots grow into the pipes or wires. The roots can damage the lines, leading to water leaks, gas leaks or power outages. Repairing these damages can be costly and may require digging up the entire yard or even the street, causing significant inconvenience for homeowners and neighbors. In some cases, the damages can be severe enough to cause injury or even death.

What to Consider Before Planting Trees over Underground Utility Lines

Before you plant trees, it's important to determine the location of underground utility lines in your yard or neighborhood. In most states, utility providers are required to provide free underground utility line locating services. Contact your local utility company to request this service. Once you know where the lines are, you can determine whether you can safely plant trees in certain areas of your property.

You should also consider the type of trees you plant and their root systems. Some trees have longer, deeper roots that are more likely to grow into underground lines. Others have shallow root systems that are less likely to cause damage. You should also consider the size of the trees when they reach maturity. A tree that is small when you plant it may grow larger than you expect, potentially causing damage to underground lines as it matures.

Best Practices for Planting Trees over Underground Utility Lines

If you decide to plant trees over underground utility lines, there are several best practices you should follow to minimize the risk of damage.

Plant trees a safe distance from the utility lines: Utility companies typically recommend a minimum distance of 10 feet from underground lines. However, the recommended distance may vary depending on the type of lines and trees.

Choose the right trees: Select trees with shallow root systems and slow growth rates to minimize the risk of damage.

Use root barriers: Root barriers are barriers that prevent the roots from growing into underground lines. They can be made of heavy-duty plastic or other materials and are installed around the tree's root system.

Regularly inspect trees: Trees should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are not causing damage to underground lines. Signs of damage include slow growth, wilting leaves, and discolored foliage.

In Conclusion

Planting trees is a great way to enhance your yard or neighborhood, but it's important to consider the risks of planting trees over underground utility lines. If you decide to plant trees, make sure you take steps to minimize the risk of damage to the lines, such as choosing the right trees, planting a safe distance away, and using root barriers. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy trees while avoiding the costly and dangerous consequences of damaged utility lines.