How Close Can You Plant Trees to Underground Utilities?

Planting trees is a great way to add to the beauty and value of your property. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks that trees can pose to underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical wires. In this article, we’ll discuss how close you can plant trees to underground utilities and what you should keep in mind when doing so.

Know Your Utilities

The first thing you should do before planting trees on your property is to identify where your underground utilities are located. This will help you determine how close you can safely plant your trees. If you don’t know where your utilities are, contact your utility company or a professional landscaper who can help you locate them.

The General Rule of Thumb

As a general rule of thumb, you should plant trees at least 10 feet away from underground utilities such as gas lines and electrical wires. For water pipes, the rule is slightly different. Trees should be planted at a distance equal to their mature height away from water pipes. For example, if a tree will grow to be 50 feet tall, it should be planted at least 50 feet away from water pipes. This will help prevent roots from damaging the pipes and causing leaks.

The Importance of Planning

When it comes to planting trees near underground utilities, planning is key. Before you begin planting, consider the mature height and width of the tree you want to plant. Make sure there is enough space for the tree to grow without interfering with your utilities or any other structures on your property.

You should also consider the type of soil in your area. Trees with aggressive root systems, such as willows, should be planted farther away from utilities than trees with less aggressive root systems, such as maples.

The Danger of Root Damage

The roots of trees can pose a significant risk to underground utilities. In addition to causing leaks in water pipes, roots can also damage gas lines and electrical wires, which can be extremely dangerous. To prevent root damage, it’s important to plant trees at a safe distance away from utilities and to regularly inspect your pipes and wires for any signs of damage.

Conclusion

Planting trees on your property is a great way to add beauty and value to your home. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks that trees can pose to your underground utilities. By knowing where your utilities are located and following the general rule of thumb of planting at least 10 feet away from gas lines and electrical wires and equal to their mature height away from water pipes, you can ensure that your trees and utilities can coexist safely.