Plant Smart: Avoiding Power Line Conflicts

When planting a tree, location is key. Trees that grow too close to power lines can create hazards, leading to outages, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety risks. Four County EMC’s Right-of-Way (ROW) Program ensures that power lines remain clear of obstructions to maintain reliable and safe service. To prevent the need for trimming or removal in the future, consider the following guidelines:

• Choose the Right Tree: When planting near power lines, choose trees that will not grow taller than 25 feet.
• Follow Recommended Setbacks: Trees should maintain at least 15-foot clearance on either side of the centerline for distribution lines and a 50-foot clearance on either side of the centerline for transmission lines.
• Consider Future Growth: A small sapling today could become a hazard in the future.