Can I Plant Trees Close to Easement?

The question of whether or not you can plant trees close to an easement is one that comes up frequently. An easement is a legal agreement that allows someone else to use your property for a specific purpose, whether it's for access to a utility line, sidewalk or just as part of a zoning requirement. Easements can pose challenges when it comes to landscaping and planting trees. So, can you plant trees near an easement? The answer is, it depends!

Understanding Easements

Before you plant any trees or even start your landscaping, it's essential to understand easements better. The first thing you should do is to find out if your property has an easement on it. You can get this information by checking your property survey or asking your local government's land use department. If there is an easement, ensure you understand what it covers, including the size, type of usage, and duration.

Once you know the terms of the easement, you can then decide what you can or can't do in the space. Some easements will allow you to plant trees and do landscaping, as long as the plants don't interfere with their intended use, while others may prohibit any plantings or work on the easement completely.

Things to Consider Before Planting Trees

If your property dictates that you can plant trees on an easement, consider the following things before proceeding:

Size of the easement: The size of the easement will determine how much space you have to work with. If the easement is small, planting trees may not be possible. Ensure that the trees you plant won't block the usage of the easement.

Type of trees: Choose trees that are appropriate for the space you have in the easement. Consider the tree's root system, the expected height of the tree, and its growth rate. Fast-growing trees might look great initially, but they may eventually become too big for the space, leading to conflict with the easement usage.

Maintenance requirements: Trees in the easement need to be maintained to avoid conflict with the utility companies, particularly concerning power lines. It would help if you trimmed the trees regularly to prevent any danger or damage to the utility lines.

Risk assessment: Consider the risk of falling branches or trees in the future. While the trees may look great now, they may cause damage or harm to people and property in the future. Ensure that you plant trees that pose minimal risk to people and property.

Conclusion

Planting trees near easements can be challenging, but it's possible if you take appropriate precautions. Before planting trees on an easement, ensure you understand the type of easement you have and the guidelines that apply. Always consider the size and type of the tree, its maintenance requirements, and future risks when making decisions on which trees to plant. With appropriate care, you can enjoy beautiful trees while respecting the easement agreement.