Trees and Power Lines: Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place

By Leslie Blevins, Public Relations and Communications Manager

When I was a child, we had a beautiful black walnut tree in our backyard. It provided shade on hot summer days, and I spent countless evenings sitting with my grandmother on the swinging bench beneath its branches, breaking beans. The tree was perfectly placed – not too close to the house, but still close enough to my swing set to offer shade to whoever was on “kid duty” that day.

One summer, a violent storm swept through our area. I remember the sound of rain pounding on the roof as I curled up next to my mom on the couch, trying to block out the thunder. My dad stood by the kitchen window, watching the storm rage outside. Suddenly, we all heard a loud crack. The majestic walnut tree, the backdrop of so many childhood memories, had been uprooted, its branches and leaves scattered across the backyard. Thankfully, the only thing near the tree was the beloved swinging bench, which was now broken underneath the fallen branches.

As I think about planting trees in my yard today, I often reflect on that walnut tree and the fond memories it holds. Now, working for an electric utility, I’m grateful it wasn’t planted near power lines. That already terrifying night could have been even worse had the tree fallen into the power lines.

Trees and power lines don’t mix – they pose a dangerous combination that can impact the reliability of your electricity. Understanding the importance of proper tree placement and taking proactive steps to manage vegetation can help prevent outages, reduce hazards, and keep our homes and families safe.

The Risks of Trees Near Power Lines

• Power Outages: Trees that grow into or fall onto power lines are a common cause of power outages. Strong winds, heavy snow, or even the natural growth of a tree can lead to branches or entire trees making contact with power lines, disrupting the flow of electricity.
• Safety Hazards: When trees touch or fall into power lines, they create safety hazards. Downed power lines can lead to dangerous situations that require immediate attention from our employees.
• Damage to Infrastructure: Trees that come into contact with power lines can cause damage to our infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and extended service interruptions.

Tips for Keeping Trees and Vegetation Away from Power Lines

• Regularly prune trees and shrubs before they grow near the power lines.
• Before conducting any digging, call 811 at least 48 hours in advance to have your underground utilities marked.
• When planting new trees, choose species that grow to a size that will not interfere with power lines. Check out our Tree Planting Guide for more information.
• Keep a safe distance between your trees and power lines. Give your tree room to grow to its full height and width safely without interfering with power lines. View our Tree Planting Guide to ensure your tree is not located within the “No Planting Zone.”

Keeping trees and other vegetation away from power lines is essential for maintaining safe and reliable electricity. By taking proactive steps to manage tree growth, you can help prevent power outages, reduce safety hazards, and ensure the integrity of our community’s electric infrastructure. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with professionals and prioritize safety.