English (United States)
Trees add beauty and shade, but when they grow too close to power lines, they can cause outages and create serious safety hazards. Branches can fall during storms or gradually rub against lines, and trees near lines can be dangerous for children or anyone attempting DIY trimming.
To keep communities safe and reduce outages, utilities regularly trim and remove trees using industry approved directional pruning methods. This guides growth away from lines and, when necessary, includes removing trees that pose a higher risk.
If you're planning new landscaping, choose tree species carefully. Smaller varieties like Crabapple, Dogwood, Hawthorne, or certain Maples typically stay under 20 feet and are safer near distribution lines. Taller trees, such as Oaks, Spruces, and most Pines, should be planted at least 60 feet from lines.
And remember—before digging for any landscape project, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. This simple step helps prevent injuries, service interruptions, and costly repairs.
