New tree or shrub? Check. Shovel? Check. Water and mulch? Check. Ready to plant? Well, not quite.

Before diving into a planting project, it’s crucial to make sure you’re planting the right tree in the right place. Part of that is making sure your plant doesn’t disrupt its underground neighbor—utility lines.

Plant roots and utility lines can happily share space, but it takes a little planning to make sure they’re not too close for comfort.

Planting utility friendly trees and shrubs

When you’re ready to plant a new tree or shrub, checking for underground utilities is a step you won’t want to skip.

Can tree roots damage underground power lines?

Yep, and the harm is nothing but a headache.

Roots can damage the protective coating found on underground lines, which can interrupt your or your neighbors’ utility services. That can lead to a safety hazard, and you might even be required to shell out cash for repair costs or fines.

Locating buried utilities and planning before you plant is by far the best way to avoid these hassles.

How do I know where my utility lines are?

It’s as easy as 8-1-1. No, really! Just dial 811, or visit call811.com, and set up an appointment to have your underground utilities marked for free. Your request will be routed to your local water, gas, electric and other utility companies, and a rep will come out to your property to mark utility lines with a flag.

Choosing trees to plant near underground utilities

While tree limbs grow tall, their roots grow wide. For example, a maple tree that stands 15 feet tall has roots that spread 15 (or more!) feet in both directions. And, an oak that shoots up 30 feet can have a set of roots that spread just as wide.

That’s why it’s so important to pick an appropriate tree and planting spot when you’re dealing with buried utilities. Before you buy a new tree, find out about its growth potential. Then, plan accordingly when you’re ready to plant so that there’s ample space between the plant and utility line. If the tree’s projected height is 12 feet tall for example, dig your hole at least 12 feet away from the utility flag.

What can I plant over underground utility lines?

You should never plant over an underground utility, but if your desired spot is near a utility line, some plants are better picks than others. Plants with non-invasive roots, meaning roots that are less likely to poke at below-ground pipes, are the most utility friendly.

Tons of trees and shrubs fall into this category. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this list of trees and shrubs with non-invasive roots for ideas. When you’re ready to go, look here for the proper way to plant a tree.

Need help planning your next planting project? Get in touch with a local Davey arborist.

Related Blog Posts

Dsc 2954
Property Maintenance & Landscaping

Tree Appraisals: The Value Of Trees

Quantifying the value of trees can be a complex and nuanced process that requires careful consideration of various factors, learn more.
Read More
Adobestock 639872042
Tree Identification

How Many Tree Species Are There in North America?

In the entire world, there are over 65,000 tree types. The United States alone has 228 billion trees with roughly 30% of the country covered with forests.
Read More
Tree
Tree

Sign Up For Free Tree & Landscaping Tips! 

Subscribe to the "The Sapling," the Davey Blog's email newsletter, for the latest tips to keep your outdoor space in tip-top shape throughout the year.

Plus, receive a free instant download of our landscape seasonal checklists when you sign up!

Image 22@2X
Image 22@2X

Request A Free Consultation

How would you like to be contacted? *
Let's Find What
You're Looking For!