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Tips for Safe Spring Planting
Plant your garden layout after utility lines are marked.- Keep shrubs and small trees at least 10 feet away from poles and pad‑mounted transformers.
- For overhead lines, choose low‑growing plants (under 10 to 12 feet at maturity).
- Pick safe plant types for areas near lines.
- Understand typical underground utility depths.
- Create a planting plan that avoids conflicts.
Planting Near Underground Power Lines
- Keep at least 18 to 24 inches away from the marked electric line on either side.
- Choose plants with small root systems — groundcovers, flowers, small shrubs.
- Avoid trees or anything with aggressive roots.
- Never dig deeper than 12 inches directly over a marked electric line.
- If you hit a buried electric line, it can arc and cause serious injury even without direct contact.
Planting Near Water Lines
- Water lines are usually deeper, but roots can still cause problems.
- Keep medium or large shrubs 3–5 feet away from the line.
- Keep trees 10+ feet away.
- Avoid species known for invasive roots (willow, poplar, maple, cottonwood).
