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Planting a new tree? Choose the “Right
tree for the Right Location”. When branches
get too close or touch utility power lines, a
potentially hazardous situation is created. Tree
branches can cause outages when broken from a
storm. Trees and power lines can co-exist and
potential problems can be avoided by selecting
and planting trees with the size and growth characteristics
appropriate to their location. Planting the right
tree near power lines can save you and Benton
PUD problems in the future.
Consider the following site factors before selecting
and planting trees:
- › Location
of buildings, sidewalks, and streets
- › Size
of planting space
- › Location
of existing trees and plants
- › Current
and future uses of the site
- › Location
of overhead and underground utility lines,
including pad-mount transformers, and streetlights.
Utility Friendly Trees
Trees to Avoid
Overhead Lines:
Avoid planting trees directly
under power lines. If the location is within
30 feet of power lines, choose trees that will
grow no higher than 25 feet at maturity. There
are many options of "power line friendly" trees
available. Ask your nursery for help or give
us a call and we are happy to answer questions
and provide you with more detailed information.
Underground Utilities:
Trees and shrubs
planted over underground utilities may be damaged
or completely removed if utility lines must be
dug up for service. Roots from trees and plants
can also cause problems as they grow.
Call Before You Dig - For Safety Sake At least
48 hours before you dig more than 12 inches,
call 1-800-424-5555, 6:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday. The location will be checked
and marked for underground utilities, phone lines
and cable.
Electrical Equipment:
Electrical equipment such as pad-mounted
transformers and switch cabinets, or tops
of underground vaults, need to be kept free
of obstructions for service accessibility
and for air circulation to prevent equipment
failure. During power outages crews often find
fences, shrubs and trees that have been placed
or planted in front of electrical equipment.
Removing these obstacles takes time and delays
restoring power. The front of the transformer
must be free of any obstructing material so that
it is clearly visible (12 feet clearance).
Plantings or fencing may be placed around
two sides and the back provided that a 3 foot
clearance must be maintained. Trees planted
within 15’ of
the transformer may eventually require removal
if tree roots or foliage hinder service or maintenance
of the transformer. The front of the transformer
must be free of any obstructing material so that
it is clearly visible. The top of the transformer
must be completely unobstructed.
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