How Close to Underground Wires Can I Plant a Tree?

Planting trees adds beauty, shade, and value to your property. However, if you're not careful, planting near underground wires can cause serious problems. Such installations include gas, water, sewer, and electric lines. Therefore, it's essential to know how close to underground wires you can plant trees. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know.

Problems Resulting from Planting Trees near Underground Wires

Planting trees near underground wires can lead to severe problems that you didn't anticipate. One of the most significant issues is tree roots growing into the wires, which can cause outages and, in extreme cases, power surges. These power surges can cause severe damage to personal property and even injury, leading to liability issues. On the other hand, tree limbs can grow into wires, causing obstructions or damage. This is especially true for mature trees which have a large crown spread. Tree roots can also undermine underground infrastructure, including gas and sewer lines, which can lead to costly repairs.

Safe Distance to Plant Trees near Underground Wires

The safe distance to plant trees near underground wires is dependent on the type of trees and the wires' depth. Generally, it’s recommended to plant trees at least 20 feet away from underground wires. However, the recommended distance can be as low as 10 feet for small trees and shallowly buried wires. Trees with a large root system should be planted further away from underground wires. The best practice is to contact your utility company to know the recommended safe distance in your area. They can also guide you on the precautions to take before planting trees.

Precautions before Planting Trees near Underground Wires

Before planting trees close to underground wires, take the following precautions:

Contact your utility company - They can assist you in identifying potential hazards and the recommended safe distance to plant trees.

Know the wires' depth - Knowing the depth of the wires can help in determining the appropriate tree species and safe distance.

Avoid planting trees on utility easements - Utility companies have the right to access utility easements, and planting trees could lead to conflicts.

Avoid planting near service line drop - The area where the underground wires go from the main line to a home is called the service line drop. Avoid planting trees near this area, as it can cause damage and make it difficult for utility workers to access.

Choose the right tree species - It's important to choose a tree species with shallow roots to avoid growing into underground wires.

Conclusion

Planting trees can bring numerous benefits to your property. However, before planting, it's crucial to know how close to underground wires you can plant a tree. Planting trees too close to underground wires can cause outages, power surges, and damage to other underground infrastructures like gas and sewer lines. The safe distance to plant trees near underground wires is dependent on the tree species and the depth of the wires. Therefore, it's important to take precautionary measures before planting trees, including contacting your utility company, knowing the wires' depth, avoiding planting near service line drops and utility easements, and choosing the right tree species.