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Trees and power lines don’t mix

April 9, 2019 – Earth Day is right around the corner. Many people celebrate this important day by planting a tree. Although planting a tree is great for the environment, it can mean trouble for you and your neighbors depending on the type of tree planted and the location. Keep the following information in mind to maintain electric reliability for you and your neighbors while keeping your yard looking great:

Right tree:
• The trees you select should depend on a number of characteristics: growth rate, leaf persistence, shape and salt tolerance (if you live near saltwater).
• Visit the Vegetation Management section of lcec.net for information on recommended trees in our area.

Right place:
• Remember that trees need space to grow. Vegetation that could potentially interfere with power lines at its mature height should not be planted below power lines or near electric utilities. Some trees may appear to be a safe distance from power lines. However, that may not be the case during a storm or when the lines are carrying a heavy demand.
• LCEC asks that customers leave an 8-foot space in front of the door side of the transformer so utility employees can work quickly and safely. We also ask that you maintain a 3-foot cleared area around the electric meter and a 3-foot-wide approach to the meter.

Tree planting and power lines:

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

Transmission
• 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.

For more information on planting the right tree in the right place, visit lcec.net. For more information on Earth Day 2019 (April 22), visit earthday.org.

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