Release Date: March 1, 2005
Contact: PG&E News Department (415) 973-5930

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Offers Tips to Keep Trees Safely Away From Power Lines During State Arbor Day Observance

San Francisco — California State Arbor Day is being celebrated March 7 – 14, andPacific Gas and Electric Company wants to remind customers who plan to plant new trees in the coming weeks to plant the “right tree, in the right place.” Trees may be small when planted, but at mature heights trees can interfere with overhead power lines.

“Careful planning of the variety and location of tree planting can help prevent future problems with vegetation encroaching on power lines that can create public safety hazards and interrupt power service,” said Steve Tankersley, manager of the company’s vegetation management program.

During this traditional tree planter’s holiday, Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers the following planting tips:

• When planting a tree near power lines, try to visualize its mature size. It must be at least 10 feet shorter than the height of the power line, or more simply no more that 25 feet tall, and preferably less, at mature height.
• Remember to not plant near underground utility transformers or other equipment like those green boxes sometimes seen in residential areas. The doors on these boxes must be free from any vegetation that could limit access.
• Expert information on various tree species and their mature height is available at local nurseries in your area.
• Various Web sites contain lists of recommended trees to plant near power lines such as:

Right Tree Right Place at: www.pge.com/myhome/edusafety/diggingyard/planttrees/

International Society of Arboriculture at: www.isa-arbor.com

National Arbor Day Foundation at: www.arborday.org

• Dig Safely: Before you plant, make sure you know where your underground utilities are located. Underground gas and electricity lines can be as shallow as 36 inches beneath the surface. Before you dig, contact Underground Service Alert (USA) at 1-800-227-2600 at least two days before digging. This is a free service which marks the location of underground utilities so they may be avoided.

As you plan and plant the landscaping around your home or business, look out for the long term interest of your neighborhood by planting the right tree in the right place. Arbor Day is a good time to get started on safe planting.