When choosing a location to plant a tree, LOOK UP and DOWN!  Make sure there are no overhead or below-ground utility lines.  If you plant your tree under a utility line, it won't stay small forever.  It will grow into the line and will eventually need to be trimmed by your utility company.  You can avoid an unnecessary conflict by planting trees away from utility lines.

One exception is if you plant a tree that at maturity is considered small (i.e. below 20 feet); such as a Redbud, Mexican plum, Yaupon holly, etc.

If you have existing trees on your property that are growing into or near utility lines, call your utility service provider to find out options for pruning your tree now before it becomes a problem.

Read more tips about trees and utility lines:

International Society of Arboriculture
Public Utility Commission of Texas
TXU

 

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