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Georgia
Forestry Commission Foresters James Johnson and Larry Morris
hate avoidable accidents, especially when it comes to trees.
The problem
stems from the conflict between the beauty and value of trees
and our expectation of low priced, almost never interrupted
electric service.
Limbs
brushing against power lines can cause blinks that wreak havoc
with computers and digital electronics. Then there are the
large limbs that fall from wind or ice, break lines and keep
lights off for extended periods.
Electric
utilities are cursed for trimming trees and then cursed if
the power goes out. But many of these conflicts and accidents
never have to happen.
"Over
80 percent of the trees under power lines that have to
be trimmed or removed were planted there. Home owners not
considering how large the tree will ultimately grow is right
at the root of the problem," says Johnson. "It's worth spending
a few minutes to think before you plant." Consider the height
of the tree 20 to 50 years after planting.
Besides
avoiding power lines, there are other reasons to plan before
you plant. Trees in the wrong places can damage sidewalks
and foundations. If their roots find a moist spot caused by
your sewer lines, they'll grow right in. That means you may
be in for an expensive plumbing repair.
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So what do you do? "Ask for help," says Morris. "The Georgia
Forestry Commission, local county extension service or nursery
where you buy trees are good sources of information. One general
rule is not to plant just one type of tree." Varying the trees
on your property is good biology.
Avoiding
tree-power line conflicts is easy. "Plan ahead and plant the
right trees in the right places," says Johnson. "Plant low-growing
trees close to power lines. Plant larger trees farther away."
Use small trees in a zone from the power line to 20 feet away.
Small varieties suited for the climate in WEMC's service area
include Dogwoods (noted for their springtime beauty), Crab
Apple, Redbud and Crape Myrtle.
In the
zone from 20 to 50 feet away from power lines, use medium-sized
trees. Species to consider include the Carolina Cherry Laurel
(an evergreen), Japanese Maple, American Holly, Yoshino Cherry
(the reason for the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival) and Bald
Cypress.
Tall
trees are okay more than 50 feet from power lines. Most of
the oaks, like the Pin Oak, Post Oak, White Oak and Shumard
Oak work great in this zone. Also good here are the Chinese
Elm, Black Gum and a host of pine tree species. The Chinese
Elm has an added benefit; its leaves' curly shape is easily
blown away, helping to reduce fall raking.
Trees
not recommended are the Boxelder, Silver Maple, Carolina Poplar
or Cottonwood and the Siberian Elm. These trees have weak
wood and poor root systems.
Plan
before you plant. Then enjoy your work for years to come.
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