Can I Plant Trees Under Power Lines Easement?

Planting trees is a great way to add beauty and value to your property. However, if you have power lines or utility easements on your property, you need to be careful about where you plant your trees. Trees that grow too tall or too wide can interfere with power lines and may need to be trimmed or removed. So, can you plant trees under power lines easement?

The Short Answer

The short answer is no, you should not plant trees under power lines easement. Most power companies have guidelines in place that dictate how tall trees can grow and still remain safely away from power lines. Trees that grow too tall can create a safety hazard by interfering with power lines and causing outages. They can also damage power lines, which can be costly to repair.

The Long Answer

If you really want to plant trees under power lines easement, you may be able to do so if you choose the right kinds of trees and prune them regularly. However, this can be challenging and may not be worth the effort. Most power companies recommend not planting any trees within 20 feet of power lines, and not planting tall trees within 50 feet of power lines.

If you do decide to plant trees under power lines easement, here are some things to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Trees

When choosing trees to plant near power lines, choose trees that have a mature height of 25 feet or less. Also, choose trees that have a narrow or columnar shape, as these are less likely to interfere with power lines. Good options include Japanese maples, dogwoods, hawthorns, and crabapple trees.

Prune Regularly

If you plant trees under power lines easement, you will need to prune them regularly to keep them from growing too tall. This can be a lot of work, especially if you have several trees to maintain. You will need to hire a professional arborist or invest in the proper pruning tools to do the job safely and effectively.

Consider Planting Shrubs Instead

If you are looking for a way to add some greenery under power lines easement, consider planting shrubs instead of trees. Shrubs are generally shorter than trees and can be easier to maintain. Good options include boxwood, holly, and barberry bushes.

The Bottom Line

While it is technically possible to plant trees under power lines easement, it is generally not recommended. Trees that grow too tall can interfere with power lines, creating safety hazards and expensive repairs. If you really want to plant trees on your property, choose trees that have a mature height of 25 feet or less and prune regularly to keep them under control.

Alternatively, consider planting shrubs or other low-growing plants that won't interfere with power lines. This will help you keep your property looking beautiful without putting yourself or others at risk.