Trees can be beautiful additions to a yard, but knowing how to plant one safely can be tricky. While you may think of the potential dangers to yourself when planting a tree, there are also ways you can harm nearby power lines and other trees. Trees growing too close to electrical lines can cause momentary short circuits and flickering lights. When it storms, tree limbs that are too close to power lines can knock them out and threaten your safety.
Look for potential dangers
When planting a tree, consider potential safety issues associated with overhead and underground utility lines. Overhead utility lines are easy to see but can be extremely dangerous. Underground utility lines can be tricky to see and could be buried very close to the ground’s surface.
That’s why NineStar wants to remind you to contact the Indiana 811 call center. This free service identifies the approximate location of buried lines on your property and prevents something bad from happening to yourself, your property, or your neighborhood.
“Never assume the utility lines are buried deeper than you plan to dig,” said Eric Truitt, Manager of Electric Operations at NineStar. “Take the time to reach out to the Indiana 811 call center at least a few working days before you start planting.”
Consider the best location
Once you know where you can plant to avoid underground utilities, then consider the best locations that are a safe distance away from overhead lines. For instance, if you’re planting a small tree that won’t grow larger than 25 feet tall, planting it 25 feet away from power lines should be safe. Larger trees must be planted farther from power lines.
Keeping trees away from these utility lines not only keeps you safe, but it also keeps the trees safe. Trees planted too close to underground lines can suffer root damage, and trees planted too close to overhead lines need regular pruning.
NineStar works hard to provide reliable electric service. You can help by following these simple guidelines when managing the trees on your property. Being aware of these dangers and how to avoid them can keep you, your home, and the trees safe.
Five steps to safe digging
- Plan your project: Before you contact 811, know the details of where you plan to dig.
- Contact Indiana 811: You can reach out by phone or go online.
- Wait for the marks: You must contact 811 at least two working days before excavation so the member utilities have enough time to mark the approximate location of the underground utilities on your property.
- Check Positive Response: Once the two full working days have passed, confirm that all utility operators have visited the property by comparing the colors of the marks to the list of utilities provided by Indiana 811. All members are required to use Indiana 811’s Positive Response System. Colors include:
- Red – Electric
- Yellow – Gas-oil-steam
- Orange – Communications
- Blue – Water
- Green – Sewer
- Purple – Reclaimed water
- White – Proposed construction
- Dig with care: You can start your project and keep safety in mind.
Source: indiana811.org
