Planting a tree?
Before you plant a tree, we recommend you check to see if power lines are above or near the location. If your tree is a broadly spreading or a tall-growing variety, we encourage you to select another location.
Follow these tree-planting guidelines to ensure your tree and nearby power lines will be safe:
Small Zone - Within 20 feet of power lines
- Plant trees with a mature height of 15 to 20 feet
Medium Zone - Between 20 feet and 30 feet of power lines
- Plant trees with a mature height of 20 to 40 feet
Tall Zone - 30 feet or more from power lines
- Plant trees growing 40 or taller, or with a broadly spreading crown
- Right tree, right place: Learn which trees are acceptable to be planted underneath power lines.
Always call 811 before you dig.
Here are some helpful tips for working near electric lines.
Ladders:
- Check for overhead electric lines, keep yourself and any equipment at least 10 feet between you and the line.
- Use only a dry fiberglass or wooden ladder, never a metal ladder.
- Be sure to use double-insulated or properly grounded electrical tools.
- Verify that your ladder complies with specifications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and that it is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- For safety programs call 210-353-3939
Kites:
- Fly kites in open areas and away from electricity poles, overhead power lines, trees and other obstacles.
- Kite lines conduct electricity, do not fly near overhead power lines.
- If a kite gets caught in overhead power lines, release the string at once. Do not pull the string or climb the pole.
- Only fly kites in dry weather. Never fly a kite during electrical storm.
- Only use kites made of wood or plastic, never metal or mylar. Only use cloth for the tails.
- NEVER attempt to retrieve any kite caught in electric equipment. Instead, call 210-353-HELP (4357).