Selecting the Right Tree To Plant

When planting trees around overhead power lines typically found in residential areas, homeowners can help prevent service interruptions and minimize the need for pruning in the future - just by following a few simple guidelines.

The key is to select the right kind of tree for the location. Avoid planting any tree directly underneath power lines. And, as the diagram shows, make sure any tree planted within 20 feet of neighborhood power lines is a variety that will grow to a mature height of 15 feet or less. Small trees such as flowering Techny arborvitae, dogwood or nannyberry are ideal for these locations. In addition, such trees often feature smaller root structures. So they're also less likely to crack sidewalks and driveways or to clog underground drain lines.

Plant taller trees farther away to ensure they can't grow into power lines. At distances of 20 to 50 feet, plant trees that grow to a height of 40 feet or less.

If you want to plant a tree that grows tall, such as a maple, oak, pine or spruce, make sure it's at least 50 feet from the nearest residential overhead lines.

When planting trees, think about energy efficiency!

Spring time is when to be thinking about planting trees, and with a little thought toward your home's landscaping, you can make your home more energy efficient. The trees you plant around your home eventually could save you money on air conditioning bills every summer.

Strategically placed trees can shade a home from the hot summer sun well enough to cut cooling bills by as much as half. Before you add trees to your yard, consider these energy-saving strategies:

• Choose deciduous trees; they loose their leaves in the fall. These trees provide shade and block heat in the summertime but don't block sunlight from your home during the winter.
• Planting ash, maple, oak and other trees on the west and south side of a home throws shade on walls and windows that otherwise would soak up the hot sun. This can lower the temperature of a home by six to eight degrees.
• Plant trees so that their leafy limbs will shade windows, walls, roofs, patios and driveways. Be sure to plant at least three large shade trees around the home.
• Consider using trees to cut down the amount of wind that whips your home, too. Evergreen trees that don't shed their greenery can intercept winter winds and reduce the amount of cold air that gets inside and displaces heat.

Whether you're looking for more summer shade, an effective windbreak or just to enhance the beauty of your property, start by selecting the right tree for your location. Consult with your local nurseryperson or your county agricultural extension agent. If your planting area has power lines near by or if you have any questions, please contact Firelands' in-house System Right-of-Way Arborist at 1-800-533-8658