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Safe Tree Planting Tips Around Utility Lines

Safe Tree Planting Tips Around Utility Lines

Are you looking forward to planting trees and shrubs in your backyard? If so, ensuring you plant the…

Apr 29,2025

Are you looking forward to planting trees and shrubs in your backyard? If so, ensuring you plant the right tree in the right space is crucial. This includes ensuring your plants do not disrupt underground utility lines and cause hazards. At Sesmas Tree Service, we believe utility lines and tree roots can share space with proper planning. Our tree service providers in Alpharetta, GA can assess your yard and devise a tailored planting design that enhances curb appeal and functionality. When you are ready to make your outdoor spaces greener, consult professional technicians and arborists to locate utility lines and determine suitable planting spots.

Safe Tree Planting Tips Around Utility Lines

Are Tree Roots a Threat to Underground Power Lines?

Yes. Roots can damage the outer coating of underground lines, interrupting your or your neighborhood’s utility services. Not to mention, severe damage to your power lines can pose safety hazards, prompting immediate repairs. If you notice telltale signs of damage to your underground utility lines, call the service provider and a reputable tree care company. Professionals can pinpoint the problem, assess the damage, and recommend effective solutions, including tree removal when necessary.

How Do I Locate My Utility Lines?

The reality is that locating underground utility lines is challenging, especially for inexperienced individuals. With that said, hiring a professional tree service provider can help you mark underground utilities, ensuring you plant trees strategically away from electric, gas, and other utility lines. Additionally, checking with the local authorities or a previous owner for blueprints can help you identify where utility lines are and prevent surprises down the line.

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Choosing the Right Trees to Plant Near Underground Utilities

Once you locate utility lines on your property, the next step is to choose the right trees to plant. The last thing you want is an emergency tree removal down the line for planting a species with vast roots. Here are crucial factors to ensure you plant the right trees near underground utilities.

Tree Size and Root Systems

The size of your tree and its root system are vital considerations for ensuring safety near underground utility lines. It is advisable to choose small tree species with shallow root systems, minimizing the risk of damage. In addition, small trees are less likely to damage structures like sidewalks and pavements, saving you money on repairs and restorations.

Maintain Adequate Clearance

After you identify suitable trees for your yard, ensure you plant them at sufficient distances to avoid damage to underground utility lines. A professional tree care company can help you determine the distance for different trees, ensuring optimal growth and curb appeal without risking your utilities. For larger trees like oaks, maples, or pines, arborists recommend planting them at least 50 feet away from underground utility lines.

Consult with Experts

As mentioned, locating underground utility lines on your property can be challenging without the expertise needed. Contact your local utility and tree care company for guidance on choosing the right trees for your utility infrastructure and location. Professionals can tailor solutions to suit your property, giving you peace of mind knowing your trees and utilities can coexist.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

Can I Plant Anything Over Underground Utility Lines?

Now that you know the crucial factors to consider when choosing the right spots to plant trees, you might wonder what you can plant over your utilities. Whether you want to enhance curb appeal or the quality of your yard, professionals can recommend trees and shrubs with minimally invasive roots that thrive in your area.

If you need help planning your next planting project, contact Sesmas Tree Service and schedule a consultation with representatives. We leverage extensive industry expertise and proven strategies to ensure a lush yard and high-performing utilities without breaking the bank.

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