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Trees selection and planting

When selecting a new tree to plant, EWEB urges a "Right Tree, Right Place" approach. By selecting a species that is a good match for the planting site, you can eliminate hazards, reduce power outages, increase your family's safety and enjoy healthy, beautiful trees.

Near street and under power lines
Choose small trees (up to 25 feet in height) that will not interfere with overhead lines or cause sidewalks to buckle. The following trees are “power line friendly,” or suitable for growing near power lines:

To learn more about the trees recommended in the list above, visit the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute's tree selection guide.

Front and side yards
Small to medium sized trees (up to 50 feet) are appropriate. Plant trees with spreading crowns at least 25 feet away from wires, sidewalks and buildings; plant trees with columnar or pyramidal forms at least 10 feet away.

Back yard
Any size tree is OK, although trees with spreading crowns should be planted at least 25 feet from wires, sidewalks and buildings.

Underground lines
When landscaping, building a fence or other structure, please keep in mind that utility workers need clear access to those big green boxes, which are pad-mounted transformers for underground lines. Please keep at least six feet clear in front of the opening side of the transformer. If the transformer fails and needs to be worked on or replaced, the outage could be prolonged while crews remove the landscaping that is in their way.

Tree planting tips

The longterm health of a tree depends on the type of tree and location you select, as well as when and how you plant. Please see the International Society of Arboriculture website for a list of eight simple steps that will help significantly reduce the stress placed on the plant at the time of planting.