Avoiding Trees With Utility Pole Conflicts
Determining where you should plant your tree isn’t a decision that you should take lightly. Many factors need to be taken into consideration before you plant. When planning what kind of tree you will plant, remember you need to look up and down to determine where your tree will be located in relation to your overhead utility lines.
Too often utility services are taken for granted because they are part of day-to-day lives. To enjoy reliable, uninterrupted service, distribution systems that include utility poles bring utilities into the home. Overhead utility poles are used for electric, cable, and telephone. The location of the utility poles and lines should directly impact where you plant your trees.
When you are planting trees, it’s a common mistake to not think about what their size will be when they mature. As a result, a tree that was fine when it was younger suddenly becomes a problem as it interferes with utility poles and lines. Giving this enough thought will ensure that you won’t have trouble with the trees you plant.
Overhead Lines
Overhead lines and utility poles are the easiest to see and they are the ones we are most likely to take for granted. These lines look harmless but they can be very dangerous. Planting tall growing trees near these lines will eventually lead to the need for the trees to be pruned to maintain a safe clearance around the wires. This could mean the tree loses its natural appearance. Periodic pruning can also shorten the life span of your tree. Trees needing to be pruned away from power lines are under great stress and are a lot more susceptible to disease, insects and bugs. The small tree you plant today can be the problem tree of the future if you don’t pay attention to the utility poles and lines.
Tall trees near overhead lines and by utility poles can lead to service interruptions. In some cases, you may face the cost of the repair to services in addition to the pruning of the tree. People climbing the tree could be seriously hurt if they come in contact with the wires. This is especially worrisome for children.
If you are going to plant, trees make sure you plant the right kind of trees for the area so that it doesn’t interfere with the utility pole(s).