Planting a new tree, or transplanting a grown tree, can be a tricky process. Trees are delicate and require the proper combination of food, water, sunlight, and preventative maintenance to remain strong, growing, and valuable components of a property. This means planting or relocating a tree should not be taken lightly. Pre-planning and evaluating is crucial for safe and non-conflicting tree growth. One of the most overlooked areas of tree planting is utility lines. Yes, many are aware of the overhead power lines, but many fail to consider underground utility lines too. Continue reading to learn how to properly evaluate utility line locations before planting or relocating a tree.
Overhead Utility Lines
Also these lines are pretty obvious and in plain sight, they can be easily overlooked in terms of gardening. Overhead utility lines can cause dangerous situations if trees are planted beneath them, and then eventually grow large enough to reach their height. And even if you think a tree cannot grow to certain heights, never under-estimate a tree’s growth potential! There must always be a safe clearance between power lines and treetops or foliage. Power companies will ask homeowners to trim or prune trees that are touching or growing close to utility lines. And although this seems like a reasonable request and simple-enough task, pruning trees this way is not good and puts the tree under physical distress; just another reason why they should not be planting near utility lines or poles in the first place. Potential dangerous of trees and power lines includes: fires, electrocutions (kids climbing trees), service interruptions, utility expenses, repairs, and more.
Underground Utility Lines
A tree’s root system can be just as broad and wide-spreading as a tree’s top. This means underground utility lines must be considered before planting a tree that will exceed great heights and size. Underground utilities include plumbing, heating and cooling, gas, additional fuel lines, and more. You can imagine the complications that can arise if any of these lines were damaged as a result of growing tree roots. Contact your local utility company for information on the location of your property’s underground utility lines before planting trees. This is even the law in most states!