As the state marks California Arbor Day on this week, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers that even trees that are small when planted may grow to heights that can interfere with overhead power lines.
That is why it is important to plant the “right tree, in the right place.”
There are many benefits to planting trees; along with their beauty, they keep homes cool by providing shade, enhance property values and clean the air.
But if the right tree is not planted in the right place, it can cause power outages, fires and, if energized, electrocution.
In fact, more than 90 percent of tree-caused power outages come from healthy trees and branches that fall or grow into power lines.
During this traditional tree planter’s holiday, PG&E offers the following tips for planting the right tree in the right place.
Plant trees safely
If you are planting trees near high-voltage power lines remember:
- Only plant a tree under power lines if it will grow to less than 25 feet at maturity. (This information is available at your local nursery.)
- When planting near transmission power lines, only use low-growing plants.
- Call 811 at least two days before planting trees or landscaping, to have underground power lines and other utilities marked.
- Keep all trees, equipment and people at least 10 feet away from high-voltage electric power lines. PG&E should be notified if a tree grows closer than 10 feet to a power line. Call 1-800-PGE-5000.
For a free copy of PG&E’s “A Selection and Planting Guide to Small Trees Near Distribution Lines,” email a request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
There is one for each of the three climate zones within PG&E's service area; Northern California, Central California and Bay Area/Inland.