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Planting a Tree? PSE&G Suggests Species That Don't Endanger Power Lines

Posted on: Wednesday, 13 May 2009, 10:50 CDT

NEWARK, N.J., May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thinking of planting a tree this spring? PSE&G says it's important to plant the right tree in the right place.

Trees that come into contact with electric lines and utility poles on roads and local streets are one of the leading causes of electric outages. Some simple planning can help avoid the risk of downed lines and power outages that occur when trees and utility wires compete.

PSE&G offers the following tips for safely planting and pruning trees so that they don't interfere with utility services:

• Plant strategically, taking tree height into consideration.

Trees that grow into power lines can cause fires and power outages. Taller trees should be planted back from utility poles on streets. Trees that can come into contact with utility lines should reach no more than 25 feet high at maturity. Some tree species suitable for planting beneath power lines include Redbud, Dogwood, Crabapple, Washington Hawthorne, Eastern Rosebud, Star Magnolia and the Smooth Sumac. Oaks and other tall growing trees should be placed across the street.

• Regularly inspect trees for damage.

Examine trees for branches damaged by storms and evidence of disease or insect manifestation. Remove branches that are dying or dead. Do not trim within 10 feet of power lines.

• Hire a professional to trim trees and ensure adequate clearance.

Keeping limbs and branches away from power lines will help keep the lights on in your community. For branches you cannot reach, enlist the help of a professional tree care company.

• Stay clear from fallen electrical wires.

If a fallen tree or limb has brought down a wire, electricity can travel through the ground. Stay away from the wire, call 911, and call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 to request assistance.

• Call before you dig.

When planting a tree, be sure to call 211 for a free mark out so that underground utilities can be identified and are not damaged during excavation. Call at least 4 days before digging. It's the law!

A suggested list of low growing trees suitable for planting near distribution lines is available on PSE&G's Web site. Go to www.pseg.com. Click on Safety and then on Vegetation Management.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)

Source: PR Newswire

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