Skip to content

Trees and Powerlines: Striking the Right Balance

As we head into spring, many of us are excited about beautifying our properties with new landscaping. At Kenergy, we understand the essential role that trees play in our environment and community. They provide shade, beauty, and cleaner air—but when it comes to planting near power lines, safety must always be a top priority.

Trees that grow too close to power lines can lead to serious hazards. In addition to the obvious risk of power outages, overgrown branches can pose significant dangers. They create potential shock and fire hazards for not just the utility lines, but also for those working around them. One of the most concerning risks is for children who might unknowingly climb trees that have grown too close to power lines, putting them at great risk of electric shock.

If you’re thinking about trimming trees or planting new ones and have concerns about proximity to power lines, we encourage you to take action. If you hire a professional for tree maintenance, please call Kenergy at 800-844-4832 to arrange an inspection to ensure your property is safe.

The key to a safe, beautiful landscape is planting the right tree in the right place. As you begin your landscaping this spring, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  • Cooperate with Kenergy: Help us maintain easement areas by planting trees a safe distance from power lines.
  • Know the size of the tree: Be aware of how large your tree will grow at maturity. Understanding the tree’s spread and height will help you select the right tree for the right space.
  • Get expert advice: For specific tree size information, visit ArborDay.org, your local cooperative extension office, or a nearby nursery.
  • Avoid planting too close to power lines: Never plant trees or vegetation under or near power lines or poles.
  • Report potential risks: If you spot any trees that could threaten our service lines, please notify us.
  • Call before digging: Remember to call 811 before planting or digging to ensure you’re not disrupting any underground utilities.

Together, we can ensure that trees and power lines can safely coexist. By planning ahead and planting thoughtfully, we all contribute to a safer and more beautiful community. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping Kenergy keep our electric service reliable and safe.