Right tree, right place


Trees need space to grow both above and below ground. Planting the right tree in the right place helps promote fire safety, reduces power outages and ensures beauty for years to come.


Planting with fire safety in mind


You can help reduce wildfire risks by choosing the right plants, trees and shrubs and by following vegetation and fire safety standards that require greater clearances between trees, limbs and powerlines. To find out if you live in a high fire-threat area, see the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) High Fire-Threat District (HFTD) map.

Outside of high fire-threat areas

To help lower the risk of wildfires or damage to powerlines, select only tree species that will grow no taller than 25 feet at maturity. Any trees that can grow taller than 25 feet at maturity should be planted at least 50 feet away from these powerlines.


Within High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD)

It is especially important that the right tree is safely planted in the right place in areas at the highest wildfire risk. If you live in a high fire-threat area designated by the CPUC, please follow these safety clearances to do your part in protecting your family and community:


  • Small zone: Within 15 feet of the wires on the pole, plant only low-growing plants less than 12 inches at maturity that have high moisture, and low sap or resin content.
  • Medium zone: From 15 to 50 feet on either side of the wires or the pole, plant trees that reach no taller than 40 feet at maturity.
  • Tall zone: At least 50 feet away from the wires on the pole, you may plant trees that grow taller than 40 feet at maturity.

Planting guidelines near distribution lines outside of High Fire Threat Areas

Outside of high fire-threat areas

Plant only low-growing shrubs underneath and between the wires on the powerline and only grasses within the area directly below the tower. Along the border of the strip of land on either side of the transmission line, plant only small trees that cannot grow taller than 10 feet at maturity.


Within High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD)

Plant only low-growing shrubs within 40 feet of the base of transmission poles or within 50 feet of metal transmission towers. Within the border zone outside this 40- to 50-foot clearance area, plant only low-growing shrubs that cannot grow taller than 15 feet at maturity.


Planting guidelines near distribution lines within High Fire Threat Areas

Mind the lines above

Always look up before planting or pruning trees and work at a safe distance away from powerlines. If you see a downed powerline, stay away and call 911.


Know what’s below

To remain safe while planting trees, shrubs or flowers, call 811 at least two business days before digging. Workers will visit your property free of charge to mark the location of gas lines or other underground utilities so you can stay safe and avoid them.


Planting near pad-mounted transformers

Avoid planting closer than 8 feet from the front and 2 feet from the back and sides of pad-mounted transformers.


Planting guidelines near distribution lines outside of High Fire Threat Areas


Caption: This image is an example of a pad-mounted transformer.


Creating defensible space

You can help stop the spread of wildfires by creating defensible space on your property by:


  • Pruning bushes and trees regularly.
  • Removing any dry or dead vegetation within 100 feet of your home or business.
  • Leaving space around plants by removing debris and creating fuel breaks.
  • Cutting grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
  • Landscaping with slow-growing, fire-resistant plants.

For more details about how you can protect your home, visit www.readyforwildfire.org.

To help you determine which trees are the best to plant on your property, PG&E has created a series of planting guides to assist you in plant selections near powerlines. To remain safe while planting, call 811 at least two days in advance. Underground utilities will be marked so they can be avoided during planting



BAY AREA TREE PLANTING GUIDE (PDF, 4.4 MB)

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA TREE PLANTING GUIDE (PDF, 4.4 MB)

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TREE PLANTING GUIDE (PDF, 4.3 MB)

BAMBOO TREE PLANTING GUIDE (PDF, 687KB)

PALM TREE PLANTING GUIDE (PDF, 885KB)

GUIDE TO SAFE USES NEAR PIPELINES (PDF, 712 KB)