Planting Near Power Lines

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BC Hydro has one of the most efficient systems in the world to distribute electricity to the homes and workplaces of British Columbians. But, every year, our customers are inconvenienced by power outages caused by trees.

Trees account for more than half of all power interruptions and tree damage to power lines can create severe public safety hazards, such as fires or electrocution.

BC Hydro spends more than $20-million annually to deal with tree and power line problems, removing weak or hazardous trees, and encouraging the regular pruning of trees near power lines. At the same time, BC Hydro recognizes the practical and aesthetic value of trees to our homes and our communities. We encourage the planting and maintaining of trees, even those close to power lines, provided that the tree is appropriate for that location.

The right tree in the right place

BC Hydro is pleased to have trees planted beside or directly under power lines, provided that the tree is a species that will not reach to such height or width that it will grow into or fall onto power lines.

There are three planting zones of concern:

Low zone: This area is directly under the power lines and extends five metres on either side of the hydro pole. Trees planted in this area should have a maximum mature height of six metres or less.

Medium zone: This area extends from the edge of the low zone to a distance of 10 metres from the hydro pole. Trees in this zone cause the majority of outages. Weak or damaged trees, in particular, create a potential for severe public safety hazards. The maximum height of trees growing in this zone should be 12 metres, which allows for a beautiful landscape without creating safety problems.

Tall zone: This area is more than 10 metres from the power lines. Virtually any strong, healthy tree is acceptable in this zone.

Landscape planning and design

Just as you would not build a house without a design, you should not landscape without a plan. Planning is the key to good landscape design. The size, proportions, form and lines of the house should be considered in determining the location, size and type of plants to be used. The main purpose of a planting plan is to provide an attractive setting that compliments the home. If possible, employ a professionally trained landscape architect to plan and develop your home grounds. Or you may prefer to have the planning done by an experienced designer, but do the work yourself. Or you may wish to do the whole job yourself.

A scaled plan should be drawn showing the following:

1. The location of the house on the property
2. The location of the power lines and poles
3. Existing trees, structures and utilities
4. Good and bad views, on and off the property
5. Division of the lot into activity areas, e.g. private outdoor living area (P), front yard (F), service and gardening areas (S)

Next:

6. Create the necessary division between areas with planting
7. Select the best plants to carry out the plan
8. Stick to the plan

After you have drawn up a plan of your property, pay particular attention to areas around power lines. Refer to the recommended species list and choose plants that are easily maintained under or near power lines that will survive in your region. The right plant in the right place is important in any landscape; this can be used to draw the eye away from an unattractive feature. A flowering cherry tree can certainly draw one's attention away from a utility pole. Trees and shrubs can lessen the visual impact of power lines if lines of sight are considered in the planting design. For example, a tree placed at the appropriate distance between the living room window and a power pole can screen the structure without having to plant it next to the pole.

A note about hedging

Formal or maintained hedges are excellent next to or even immediately under power lines. We encourage you to plant and maintain such hedges, as they will eliminate public safety hazards and reduce the incidence of power outages. Hedges must be maintained by the home owner, as annual pruning is required in order to keep hedges healthy and vibrant. A maximum height of four metres should be maintained.