Trees and shrubs are attractive additions to your landscape, but can also cause electrical hazards if you don't pay attention to where you plant. Trees growing too close to power lines can cause sparks, fires, power outages and shock hazards. Trees and shrubs located too close to utility equipment can cause delays in power restoration and create safety hazards.
To avoid these problems, make sure to give trees and shrubs plenty of room to grow to full size without getting too close to utility equipment.
Safe Tree Planting Tips
- Consider the size of the tree when fully grown to be sure they won't interfere with power lines.
- Consider the location of overhead lines and underground equipment when choosing where you plant.
- Don't plant right next to transformers or your meter and keep these areas clear. This is for your safety and so crews can quickly access equipment when needed.
- Call 811 at least 3 days before you plant to have underground lines marked for safe digging.
