LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Planting Trees

The best prevention for electrical tree worker accidents and service interruptions is to keep trees clear of power lines.  This starts with choosing the right tree to plant in the right place. This also includes maintaining your property so that trees that voluntarily grow in the area do not reach a height that requires pruning away from power lines.

Always consider space and growth before planting trees in the yard. Trees that are too small may not provide the amount of beauty and shade you are looking for, and trees that are too large can create future problems by conflicting with your home, fences, neighbors’ yards, and yes, power lines.

Making the right decision when selecting a tree or planting site can help maintain electric reliability for you and your neighbors.

Right Tree

Choosing the right type of tree is critical to the long-term success of the tree. The type of tree planted should depend on a number of characteristics: growth rate, leaf persistence, shape, and salt tolerance (if you live near saltwater). Palms are difficult to maintain once they reach a mature height and they often must be removed for safety reasons. The mature height is the maximum height of the species when it reaches maturity.

Visit the University of Florida’s website for a list of recommended trees in your area or click here to view LCEC’s list of trees common to Southwest Florida.

Right Place

Trees need space to grow. It is important to look up when determining if the tree will have vertical space to grow. Vegetation that could potentially interfere with power lines or electric facilities at mature height should be planted in a different location. Some trees may appear to be a safe distance from power lines. However, during a storm or when the lines are carrying a heavy demand they may contact power lines and be dangerous.

Tree Planting and Power Lines

Distribution

1. Shrubs up to 6′ high at maturity should be planted 5′ away from the pole.
2. Shrubs up to 10′ high should be planted 10′ from the pole.
3. Small trees & large shrubs up to 20′ high should be planted 15′ from the pole.
4. Medium trees up to 40′ high should be planted 30′ from the pole.
5. Large trees over 40′ high should be planted 45′ from the pole.
6. The distances given above are the minimum distance the plant should be placed away from the pole.

Transmission

1. Transmission lines require a wider right-of-way area, but landscaping can be done if careful attention is paid to the mature height of shrubs & trees.