As much as we love the beauty of our trees and the shade they provide, trees growing under or near power lines are the most common cause of power outages.
FKEC is committed to a comprehensive vegetation management program to minimize power outages and ensure public safety.
Home and business owners can help keep our community’s lines clear in the future by following the planting tips included below.
BEFORE PLANTING CONSIDER:
• Rate of growth: Slow growing plants are easier to groom and maintain.
• Mature size: Small, immature trees planted today can grow into problem trees in the future so please consider the ultimate mature size of a tree before planting.
• Canopy size: Large canopy trees grow up and out. Plant these trees away from power equipment.
• Root system: When planting near underground power equipment, use only vegetation with a shallow root system.
• Air Flow: Power equipment needs ventilation to operate properly. Do not plant trees or other vegetation that will obstruct natural airflow around overhead and underground power equipment. |
GENERAL PLANTING GUIDELINES:
• Shrubs & Small Trees (20’ mature height or less): Plant these under or adjacent to overhead power lines.
• Medium Trees (20’-30’ mature height): Plant at least 20 horizontal feet from overhead power lines.
• Large Trees (30’ mature height or taller): Plant at least 30 horizontal feet from overhead power lines.
• Palm Trees: Plant one mature frond length (coconut palms have 15’ long mature fronds) plus ten horizontal feet from overhead power lines.
PROBLEM TREES:
The following non-native trees can cause conflicts when planted near both overhead and under-ground power equipment:
• Ficus
• Schefflera
• Tree bamboo
• Australian pine
• Brazilian pepper
• Melaleuca
• Chinese tallow
• Camphor
|
