Long-Term Solutions
Look up before you plant! Before you invest in a tree that will grow tall, look around the area where you intend to plant. Carefully match the tree species with the location. Trees with mature heights over 25 feet should be planted at least 25 feet from any overhead utility lines.
The reliability of your neighborhoods’ electric service may depend on your choice of trees and where you plant them. Your cooperation with BrightRidge’s Right-of-Way Program is essential. Reliable service, public safety, and customer satisfaction are very important to us as your power provider. We will not trim or remove any tree unless it poses a threat to either public safety or electric service reliability. Help us, help you. Please look up before you plant!
Tips for Planting
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Recommended Tree List
Maturity Height vs. Minimum Space
Tree size
(Fully Mature)Minimum spacing
power lineUp to 20 feet 20 to 25 feet 20 to 40 feet 30 to 35 feet 40 feet and up 40 to 45 feet
BrightRidge recommends that you not plant any trees under power lines. Even small trees sometimes interfere and prevent crews from being able to easily access areas that require maintenance; however, the following list of trees are recommended if you decide to plant under overhead power lines:
Tree Name Mature Height Acer Griseum-Paperbark 18 - 25’ Acer Ginnala-Amur Maple 15 - 18’ Acer Palmatium-Japanese Maple 12 - 15’ to 25’ Amalanchier-Serviceberry 20 - 25’ Cercis Canadensis-Eastern Redbud 20 - 25’ Cercis Canadensis-Forest Pansy 18 - 24’ Cornus Florida-Flowering Dogwood 18 - 20’ Magnolia-Little Gem 20 - 25’ Magnolia-Timeless Beauty 15 - 20’ Magnolia Soulangiana-Saucer 15 - 25’ Magnolia Virginiana-Sweetbay 15 - 20’ Magnolia Stellata-Star 15 - 25’ Malus Prairefire-Flowering Crabapple other varities-Indian Magic, Profusion Zumi, Red Splendor 15 - 20’ -
Planting Tips & Maintenance
Look up: Are power lines overhead?
Never plant trees directly under power lines. Be sure to verify the maturity height of the tree you are planting as well as recommended minimum spacing requirements away from power lines.
Look down: Are there power lines underground?
Call before you dig! Your safety is of utmost importance. Call TN-One Call to locate underground utility lines before you dig. Click HERE for more information about TN-One Call. Plant trees and shrubs at least three feet away from underground power lines.
Look around: Do you see a green metal box in your yard?
If you see a green box in your yard, it could be a BrightRidge transformer, pedestal, or switch enclosure. NEVER plant trees or shrubs in front of the transformer doors. NEVER use probes to water or fertilize shrubs around transformers. If you decide to plant around the transformer box, consider mature plant size and always maintain a minimum two-foot clearance from all sides of the transformers. Once, again, remember to call before you dig. Never begin digging without having underground power lines identified by the experts at TN-One Call.
Maturity Height vs. Minimum Space
Tree size
(Fully Mature)Minimum spacing
power lineUp to 20 feet
20 to 25 feet
20 to 40 feet
30 to 35 feet
40 feet and up
40 to 45 feet