Planting Trees in the Right Place

Typically, we think about planting trees in the springtime when things begin bloom, but late fall through early winter is actually the best time to plant trees in Tennessee. According to the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, the changing of leaf colors is a good signal that it is safe to start planting trees. You can continue planting trees through the winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen. The earlier you plant, the better because the tree has more time to spread its roots. 

While timing is important, it is also important that you consider where you are planting this new tree and the size it will be when it is fully mature.  

It is easy to get excited about the new beauty you are adding to your landscape, not to mention the important environmental benefits and added property value. But, if a fully-grown tree becomes so tall that it interferes with power lines, that can create a real problem.

If your tree is not planted in the right place, high winds could bring tree branches into contact with power lines, resulting in safety hazards for your family, your neighbors and your community’s lineworkers. Trees can also be a tremendous inconvenience when planted in the wrong location. Trees contacting with powerlines is one of the most common causes of power outages on the CEMC system. A general tip for avoiding these problems is to avoid planting new trees outside of the right of way zone (20 feet from power lines). Be sure to do your research or talk to a professional or your co-op before purchasing or planting trees on your property. 

Some great examples of smaller trees include flowering dogwoods and redbuds. Both are native to Tennessee and power line friendly choices. If you have any questions on the tree you are considering adding to your yard, give us a call. You can also click here to learn more about our right of way program, which helps keep our system safe and reliable.

And before you plant, always remember to call 811 before you dig. At no cost to you, your underground utility lines will be located and marked prior to the start of your project. One phone call can prevent dangerous accidental contact or expensive repairs.