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Planting Guidance for Property Owners

Our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. As part of that responsibility, we’ve put together information to help you select compatible vegetation when planting near power lines.

Why it's important to plan before you plant

Planting the right tree in the right place will help reduce power outages and ensure reliability. Before planting, consider what utilities you're near. Guidelines for trees and other vegetation vary widely for different types of utility lines—electric transmission lines, electric distribution lines and gas pipelines.

Planting near roadside distribution lines

Distribution lines are the power lines you see along roads and highways that deliver power to your home or business. When trees touch these lines, it can cause power outages, fires, downed lines and safety hazards for people and wildlife. 

Tree branches too close to power lines must be trimmed, and adequate trimming can’t always be done in ways that retain the natural aesthetics of the tree. We may even need to remove the tree. This is the last thing we want to do.

Planting guidelines

Before you plant, consider how close you are to distribution lines. The further away, the taller the tree can be.

tree-planting-height

Anywhere on your property

Trees and plants that won’t grow to be greater than 25 feet high are safe to grow anywhere on your property. Need some ideas? We developed a guide with 30 recommended trees under 30 feet tall.

Download guide

Planting near high-voltage transmission lines

Transmission lines are large, high-voltage lines that transport electricity over long distances. They're usually supported on tall metal towers, but sometimes on wooden poles, too. Interference from trees or other vegetation is not only dangerous, but can cause power outages for thousands of customers.

transmission-row-wide

Federal, regional, and electric industry standards require minimum safety clearances to ensure that vegetation doesn’t grow too close to these high-voltage lines. We regularly maintain cleared areas within right of way corridors to ensure safety and reliability. 

More about transmission system vegetation management

Plants that encourage pollination

Looking for a safe plant with added environmental benefits? Our arborists are passionate about pollinator plants and the positive impact they can have on the environment.

We've gathered some of our favorite pollinator plants that thrive alongside power lines, enhance the natural beauty of the landscape and support the return of a variety of species of wildlife. 

Explore pollinator plants