As we enter the spring season, many are outside, kickstarting landscaping projects for the year. AEP Ohio recommends that customers carefully plan before planting around power lines. One tree branch making contact with a power line can knock out electricity to hundreds or even thousands of customers — so it’s important to plan before you plant.
“Deciding to plant a tree is a big commitment. That tree will be enjoyed by future generations and neighbors, so we ask our customers to look up and look around before planting,” said AEP Ohio Distribution Forestry Manager Dale Hopkins. “Our foresters are happy to come out and look at the space you have available to give suggestions on the best types of trees that won’t interfere with our power lines, allowing the natural beauty of the tree to shine through.”
Our Forestry team includes trained and licensed arborists who have studied trees and the grid, and who care about protecting both. Here are some important tree planting tips from them to keep in mind.
Before Planting
Height Considerations: Knowing the potential height of any tree you plan to plant will help ensure that branches will be clear of power lines once the tree is fully grown, AEP Ohio arborists say.
- Small trees like redbud, dogwood and crabapple should be planted 10-25 feet away from power lines.
- Medium trees like Washington hawthorn and golden rain trees should be planted 25-50 feet away from overhead lines.
- Tall trees like maple, oak, spruce and pine, should be planted more than 50 feet away from power lines.
Canopy Width: AEP Ohio’s foresters ask that you consider how wide the tree might become once the branches are fully grown.
- Tree branches must remain at least 10 feet away from power lines.
- Only trees with a small canopy spread, such as dogwood or crabapple, should be planted within 10 feet of power lines.
Underground Utilities: Before planting, our team says, it’s important to check for underground utility lines to avoid potential safety hazards.
- Call 811 at least 48 hours in advance of your planting project. This service connects you to the Call Before You Dig national hotline, where you can request marking of all underground lines on your property, helping you avoid injuries, expenses or penalties.
Planting Tips from AEP Ohio Foresters
Growth Rate: Consider how fast the tree will grow.
- Trees that grow slowly, like spruce, are sturdier and have a longer lifespan compared to fast-growing trees.
Tree Form or Shape: Assess the amount of space you have.
- For tighter areas, opt for trees with a columnar shape.
- If your goal is to create a shaded area, select trees with a round or V-shaped canopy.
Additional Resources
- Watch this video to make sure you’re planting the right tree in the right place.
- If you have questions, we can connect you with one of our foresters, who can meet with you on-site to review your plans and suggest tree types that won’t interfere with power lines. Call 614-883-6987 to speak with a team member or you can send an email to AEPOhioForestry@aep.com.
