Tree Program

Plant the Right Tree

planting trees

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:

transformer notice

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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