When Trees and Utility Lines Come in Conflict

Determining when and where to plant trees is a serious undertaking—one that can never be taken too lightly.The truth is planting trees has numerous benefits, and two of the most important factors that can affect a trees growth are overhead and underground utility lines.Utility services are something people quite often take for granted because utility lines have always been there for most of us. The utility services we enjoy are part of a distribution system that brings power into our home through overhead and underground utility lines. Overhead utility lines include telephone, electric or cable television. Underground utility lines include water, sewer and natural gas.The location of these lines will have a direct impact on where trees or shrubs should be planted on your property. The ultimate height of a tree should be taken into consideration so that it will grow within the available overhead space. And the soil surrounding a tree must be able to support its roots. Properly choosing trees and the areas where they will grow can result in years of trouble-free beauty and appreciation of the aesthetic and commercial value they bestow.Overhead Utility Line ChallengesOverhead utility lines are easy to spot, but are quite often taken for granted in that they never seem to pose any kind of threat. While they may look harmless because their presence in our life is second nature, they can present extreme danger if challenged by a tree’s growth.Tall growing trees planted directly under utility lines will have to be pruned at a future date. And pruning may leave these trees with an unnatural appearance. Pruning in this scenario may also place trees under stress, leaving them more susceptible to the possible ravishes of disease and insects.Trees that grow tall near overhead lines also present a problem for children or adults who may be brave enough to climb them. Coming in contact with electrical wires can result in injury or death. Proper placement of trees so as to avoid these overhead lines can eliminate the obvious safety hazards, and reduce utility expenses and the rates people must pay while helping to improve the overall appearance of the landscape.Potential Damage to Underground LinesMost people don’t consider the fact that trees are much more than what can be seen physically. Often out of site, the root of a tree may be larger than the branch spread above the ground. Tree roots, near underground lines, often coexist without any problems. However, it can become costly and often dangerous for home or property owners when roots damage or obstruct underground utility lines.As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when making the decision to plant trees or shrubs. We recommend calling the experts at Wauson Tree Service who can assess your property’s needs and give you a free estimate of what it will cost to maintain its beauty and value for years to come.You can reach us at walt {at} wausontreeservice {dot} com, or by telephone at 214-450-8720.