How Close Can You Plant a Tree from Buried Utilities?

Planting trees is a great way to enhance the beauty of any outdoor space. But before you get too excited and start planting trees around your yard or garden, it’s essential to be aware of the impact that buried utilities can have on your planting plans. Buried utilities, such as gas, water, and underground power lines, can easily interfere with the growth and development of trees. Hence, it would be best if you were mindful of how close you can plant a tree from buried utilities to avoid any potential hazards. Here are some essential factors to consider.

Types of Buried Utilities

Before you decide how close you can plant a tree from buried utilities, you need to know the types of utilities that are present in your area. Utilities can be classified into three broad categories: gas lines, water lines, and electrical lines. These buried utilities can cause potential problems for the growth of trees, and you should consider them accordingly.

Size of Your Tree

The size of the tree that you want to plant is another critical factor to consider when deciding how close to plant a tree from buried utilities. Small trees with shallow roots can be grown near buried utilities, while larger trees with deeper roots must be planted farther away. Small trees will not invade the space of buried utilities, while larger trees can cause severe problems if planted too close.

Depth of Utility Lines

Knowing the depth of the utility lines is crucial when determining how close to plant a tree from buried utilities. If planting a tree, you must know how deep the utility lines are buried. For instance, planting a small shrub over gas lines might not be an issue, as gas lines are usually buried relatively shallow, while planting a large tree over electrical lines would be a more significant concern since electrical lines are buried much deeper than gas lines and can cause hazardous issues in case of contact.

Spacing Between Tree and Utility Lines

The spacing between the tree and the utility lines is another essential factor to consider when determining the proximity of planting trees around the buried utilities. Most utility companies recommend that trees should be planted at least ten feet (3 meters) away from buried utilities. Trees that are planted too close to buried utilities can cause significant problems and can be dangerous in the long run.

Conclusion

Planting trees requires careful consideration and planning, especially when it comes to buried utilities. Knowing and considering the types of utilities around your area, the size of the tree you want to plant, the depth of the utility lines, and the spacing between your tree and buried utilities will help you determine how close to plant a tree from buried utilities. Ultimately, proper planning will ensure the safety and growth of both the trees and the buried utilities.