Suggested Clearances for Planting Near Overhead Power Lines

Before Planting Consider

• Mature size: small / immature trees planted today can grow into BIG problem trees in the future, so please consider the ultimate “Mature” size of a tree before planting.
• Canopy size (height and width) and for palms the length of the leaves from base to tip
• Rate of growth
• Root system

Non-native Invasive Trees

The following are a few of the non-native trees commonly found growing in Marion county that can cause conflicts when planted, or allowed to grow, near both overhead and under-ground power equipment:

• Paper MulberryBroussonetia papyrifera
• Goldenrain tree Koelreuteria paniculata
• Chinaberry Melia azedarach
• Chinese tallow Sapium sebiferum
• Camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora

These non-natives proliferate in disturbed areas and move into natural areas displacing native species and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. Many grow much faster than native species and have the potential for causing outages long before routine pruning is scheduled. OUS uses various methods of vegetation management to reduce growth of non-natives growing under and around the power lines including herbicide. If you have non-native species growing near your power lines please call OUS for a site visit from the Utility Arborist to discuss what we will do and what your options are for dealing with them on your property.

Underground Power Equipment

Even areas served by underground power have some above ground equipment that requires clearance. Utility workers must have proper clearances (10 feet in front and 3 feet on all other sides) to use a “hot stick” to work on pad mount transformers (equipment necessary for underground power). See diagram below:

Remember before planting or digging around electric lines or equipment call “Sunshine State” at 811, visit www.call811.com.