Right-of-Way Tree Planting Guide

Before you dig, please check out these helpful landscaping tips:

• Report a Tree Problem
• Selecting the Right Tree to Plant
• Storm Damage & Downed Lines
• Tree Concerns
• Tree Growth Study Sheet
• Tree Maintenance
• Trees & Lines

Those scrawny seedlings you're about to plant in your yard seem harmless enough, but did you look up to see if they'll still be harmless as their branches expand over the years? If they grow into overhead power lines, there will be trouble.

Small trees will grow into large flora with branches that extend into electric lines. Trees can easily conduct electricity and put children who climb trees or fly kites at risk of injury. Trying to remove a tree with branches which already are entwined with power lines makes it very possible for the line to come tumbling down as well.

Cutting down trees is serious business, which demands attention to safety. Some of the most serious accidents involving the cutting of trees occur because no attention is paid to the presence of power lines. A careful surveillance of the vicinity is essential before you begin any tree work.

Look overhead and to all sides surrounding your cutting site. Be very sure that the tree won't come into contact with any power lines when it falls. Ask a landscaper or arborist how tall different varieties of trees grow before you plant them. Choose trees that will not extend upward into power lines at full growth. When planting large growing trees, be sure to locate them at least 50 feet away from overhead lines. This will help you avoid future hazards and potential power outages.

Landscaping and tree planting can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your property, but please consider the proper placement of trees and shrubs. These smaller plants of today will eventually grow into large ones, so we ask you to think and plan ahead. After all, providing reliable electric service is a top priority of Firelands Electric Cooperative employees. That is why we are serious about managing and maintaining our rights-of-way (right-of-way is the permission given to Firelands to install and maintain electric service).

If you are changing your existing landscape or putting in an entire yard, please landscape safely and be sure to leave space around utility equipment -- both in the ground and in the air -- so that Firelands employees can easily maintain electric service to your home.

Please contact Firelands of a tree you believe may be growing too close to one of our power lines. Firelands' System Right-of-Way Arborist will examine the situation and, if the problem cannot wait for the next scheduled trimming, we will schedule it for prompt maintenance.