Planting trees is one of the easiest ways to add beauty and value to a home. Before visiting your local garden center, however, keep in mind that it’s important to plant the right tree in the right place to avoid future problems with nearby power lines.

When choosing a type of tree, consider its height and root-growth characteristics. The National Arbor Day Foundation offers a sizing guide to pinpoint species’ mature heights.

It is recommended that trees or shrubs be planted at these minimum distances from power lines:

• 10 feet for trees or shrubs maturing to 15 feet
• 20 feet for trees maturing to 25 feet
• 30 feet for trees maturing to 35 feet

Looking for ideas for small trees and shrubs? Consider the Flowering Crabapple, Amur Maple, Pfitzer Juniper or Flowering Dogwood. Click here for more recommendations as well as additional “Plan Before You Plant” recommendations.

Before planting your tree, don’t forget to Call Before You Dig to avoid striking underground utility lines, such as cable, phone and natural gas. Call 811 at least 48 hours in advance to have the lines marked for free.

Indiana customers: Visit www.indiana811.org to learn more.
Ohio customers: Visit www.oups.org to learn more.

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