Avoid problems by planting utility-friendly trees in your yard
By Ann Briggs
WSU Chelan/Douglas County Master Gardener
Whether you are starting out with a blank slate or renovating an established yard, trees create a backbone for your landscape design. Selecting the right tree requires careful consideration. This is especially true if you are planting trees near utility lines.
In my own yard, the previous owner had planted a row of Western Red Cedar trees under the utility lines. They were about 10 years old and just beginning to reach the lines. At maturity, these trees can grow to 150 feet, so I had them removed before they became a problem. In doing so, I have now opened up a large, sunny area available for planting other things. Removing that “big green wall” feels like I have reconnected with the neighborhood, and I can now create a planting area better suited to the location and my own design style.
Most commonly, trees are planted for beauty and shade, but they have many roles in the landscape. They serve as habitat for wildlife, they can screen an unwanted view or create privacy, they help block wind and can provide relief from summer heat. They also decrease reflected heat from pavement, reduce runoff, filter pollutants and improve the air we breathe.
You will want to do some research before you make an investment in purchasing a tree.
When planting near utility lines, there are two major considerations: the tree’s mature height and its location near the lines. Trees planted beneath the lines should be low growing, with a mature height of no more than 20 feet to 25 feet. Medium-size trees up to 40 feet to 45 feet should be planted at least 15 feet from lines. Tall trees should be set back at least 30 feet from utilities. Also, prior to doing any digging, you will need to call the Northwest Utility Notification Center at 811 (or 1-800-424-5555) to locate any underground cables, pipes or other equipment. It’s a free service and will spare you the expense of damaging an underground utility.
As with any planting, before you run out and buy plants, you will need to consider soil conditions, sun and wind exposure, water requirements, drainage, cold hardiness and heat tolerance – in addition to mature plant size. Native plants might just be the ticket since they are well suited for our local climate. Right now, during the dormant season (late winter/early spring), is a good time for planting, especially bare root trees. On the other hand, you might choose to take it more slowly and wait until fall, after the leaves drop to give yourself more time for planning and designing this new garden area.
If you’re looking for ideas for low-growing trees and shrubs, the Chelan County PUD’s Tree Health and Safety Program has a guide on its website titled, “Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place.” You can find the booklet guide by using this link: bit.ly/pudtreebooklet. The booklet has photos and brief descriptions of utility-friendly trees and shrubs such as, Amur Maple, Japanese Maple, Eastern Redbud, Mugo Pine, Common Lilac, Serviceberry, and Wild Mock Orange, just to name a few.
A WSU Chelan-Douglas County Master Gardener column appears weekly in The Wenatchee World. To learn more, visit bit.ly/MGchelandouglas or call (509) 667-6540.