Providing safe and reliable electric service is PCRPPD’s top priority. Sometimes, trees make this difficult. Trees are one of the significant causes of power outages in areas with overhead utility lines. When trees contact live wires, they become conductors of electricity, causing power outages or creating dangerous situations for anyone coming in contact with the trees.
PCRPPD works hard to maintain its right of way near overhead lines to provide safe and reliable electrical service. Although PCRPPD would prefer that no trees be planted within our right of way with overhead lines or within ten feet of our underground transformers, you can help by using the following guidelines when planting trees near overhead lines.
And, of course, before you plant, call 811 at least three business days in advance to have your underground utilities marked.
Tree selection and planting
When selecting trees to plant on your property, you should consider the tree’s mature height when determining a suitable planting location. Native species often grow better with fewer insect and disease problems than non-native trees. For areas near houses and overhead utilities, there are three tree-height zones, as follows:
Low: The low height zone extends 15 feet on either side of overhead wires. Plant only large shrubs and small trees with mature heights of 20 feet or less within this area.
Medium: To accommodate the width of taller trees, the medium height zone begins at least 15 feet from all utility lines. Select trees that grow 40 feet or less for planting within this zone.
Tall: The tall height zone begins at least 35 feet from buildings and 65 feet from utility lines. Trees that grow taller than 40 feet are suitable for planting in this area.
