Plug Into Safety

Create a Safety Plan Before Planting a Tree

AUGUST 2025

Trees can be beautiful additions to a yard, but knowing how to plant one safely can be tricky. While you may think of the potential dangers to yourself when planting a tree, there are also ways you can harm nearby power lines and other trees. Trees growing too close to electrical lines can cause momentary short circuits. When it storms, tree limbs that are too close to power lines can knock them out and threaten your safety.

Here is how to avoid them so you can keep you, your home, and the trees safe.

Look for Potential Dangers

Underground utility lines can be tricky to see and could be buried very close to the ground’s surface.

CONTACT THE INDIANA 811 CALL CENTER BEFORE DIGGING.

This free service identifies the approximate location of buried lines on your property and prevents something bad from happening to yourself, your property, or your neighborhood.

Consider the Best Location

Next, consider the best locations that are a safe distance away from overhead lines. For instance, if you’re planting a small tree that won’t grow larger than 25 feet tall, planting it 25 feet away from power lines should be safe. Larger trees must be planted farther from power lines.

Trees planted too close to underground lines can suffer root damage, and trees planted too close to overhead lines need regular pruning.