Matthew Orwat
County Extension Agent – AG/NR
Email: matthew.orwat@ag.tamu.edu
As you drive around, take a look at the trees near power lines. Most of them are pruned into a V shape. In addition to not being very aesthetically pleasing, such growth patterns are really bad for the trees. The tree is usually unbalanced and with no interior branches, the trunk often splits, killing the tree. With a little better planning, you can have trees under your power lines that don’t have to be pruned.
Scope of the Problem
Trees are the major cause of power outages in most areas. Trees touching or downing power lines are also an increasing cause of wildfires. Utility companies have easements that allow them to put their poles and lines across properties. Federal laws allow utility companies to remove vegetation that interferes with power lines.
Tree Trimming
Utilities used to just shear the tops off trees under power lines. However, they didn’t take the time to make proper cuts, so the trees often died. If they didn’t die, they produced large amounts of shoots at the end of sheared off branches, making the problem worse than ever.
The V shaped pruning is actually an improvement over topping trees. While it doesn’t look great and costs utilities lots of money to keep the trees trimmed, it doesn’t usually directly kill the trees. However, as mentioned above, the tree’s branches and trunk are unbalanced. The branches may tear off or split the trunk.
Trees planted in the wrong place and damaged by power line pruning. Image Credit Texas AgriLive Master Gardners
A Better Way
Plan your tree and shrub plantings and the power company will not have to trim your trees. Overhead distribution lines are typically put on poles that are 30-40 feet tall. If you want a tree under the power lines, plant something that doesn’t get over 20-25 feet tall. Make sure that the utility poles are clear all the way around them so crews can reach them from all sides.
Small Trees
The city of Dallas has a list of approved trees with their heights and spreads, so you don’t have to guess. Some native trees that fit adjacent to power lines are the Texas buckeye, dogwood, possumhaw holly, Ashe juniper, Texas redbud, and Texas persimmon.
Medium Trees
Medium trees need to be set back at least 20 feet horizontally from power lines. If they fall, they should not be close enough to take the power lines down with them. Some medium trees that work well are the bois d’arc tree, Mexican plum, Texas black walnut tree, and the eastern red cedar.
Large Trees
Large trees should be set back at least 30 feet horizontally from power lines. Again, they should be far enough back so if they fall, they do not take the power lines down. Some large trees native here are most oaks, bald cypress, cottonwood, pecans, loblolly pine, and the sycamore tree.
In summary, you can have a nicely landscaped yard without the V shaped trees and without damaging power lines. A downed power line rarely impacts only one house. Avoid the wrath of your neighbors by keeping tall trees away from your power lines.
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