Trees and Power Lines

Kentucky’s trees are beautiful and necessary. They provide shade, shelter, and enhance the value of our homes. However, they can create hazardous conditions when they grow into or near power lines. Outages can also occur if limbs or branches touch or fall onto power lines.

The small tree you plant today could grow into a big problem in just a few years. Planning before planting trees and shrubs can help ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place. Determining where to plant a tree is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Before you plant:

• Consider the location. Is there room for the plant to grow to maturity without being trimmed or topped?
• Consider the size of the mature plant. There are many varieties from which to choose.
• Do not plant trees within 25 feet of overhead power lines or eight feet of pad-mounted transformers and other electric utility equipment. This equipment must be accessible for repairs at all times by Warren RECC personnel.
• Don’t plant large shrubs near the electric meter.

Click here for a Planning for the Future diagram on planting trees.

If you have a tree with power lines running through it, don’t climb or build anything in it.