How Far to Plant Tree from Electricity Line

Planting trees near power lines can have a significant impact on power outages, safety, and aesthetics. Trees can grow unpredictably and cause interference with power lines, resulting in power outages and potential safety hazards.

The Importance of Proper Tree Placement

It is essential to know how far to plant trees away from power lines to ensure their long-term growth and minimize the risk of power outages. Trees need adequate space to grow, and power lines can severely limit their growth potential. Trees too close to power lines can cause problems, including:

Damaged power lines

Interference with electrical service

Reduced tree growth potential

Increased fire risk

Planting Tree Away from Power Lines

When planting trees near power lines, it is essential to know how far a tree should be planted away from them. The distance depends on the height of the power lines and the tree's full-grown height. If a tree is too close, its branches can interfere with electrical service or damage the wires, causing a power outage or even a fire.

As a general rule, trees should be planted at least 20 feet away from power lines, and the trees' height should not exceed the height of the power lines. This will provide adequate space for the tree's growth, ensure that the power lines remain safe, and keep electrical service uninterrupted.

Trees to Plant Near Power Lines

When choosing trees to plant near power lines, it is essential to select smaller, upright, and slower-growing trees. These trees will not interfere with power lines, and their height will remain relatively low. Some examples of trees that are ideal for planting near power lines include:

Crabapple (Malus spp.)

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Fir (Abies spp.)

Spruce (Picea spp.)

Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Conclusions

Planting trees near power lines can have many benefits, including providing natural shade, beautifying the landscape, and contributing to air purification. To ensure your tree's healthy growth and avoid any interference with power lines, it is essential to follow the recommended planting distances, select the right-sized trees, and conduct regular tree maintenance.

By understanding how far to plant trees away from electricity lines and selecting the right-sized trees, we can help keep the environment green and provide reliable, uninterrupted electrical service.