Utility Friendly Trees

1
Utility Friendly Trees
Each year utility companies spend over 2 billion
dollars for tree pruning and removal, much of
which is caused by the selection and planting of
tree species with inappropriately mature heights.
Despite publicity against the use of trees that
are too tall, poor tree species selection
continues.
In response to public safety concerns,
line-clearance pruning is required. Many
line-clearance pruning practices damage trees,
both physiologically and aesthetically. Line
clearance necessitates the disposal of millions
of tons of biomass each year.

• Options to resolve the utility line-street tree
  conflict
• use proper pruning techniques
• use growth regulators
• reroute wires or install them underground
• remove large trees and replace with compatible
  sizes
• select the right small tree or large shrub for
  the location

• Characteristics of utility-wise trees and shrubs
• 15- 35 tall at maturity, with an appropriate
  width for the
• location
• produce little or no litter (large leaves, fruit
  that drop)
• tolerant of site conditions
• pest and disease resistant

Appropriate Trees and Shrubs for Planting Under
or Near Overhead Utility Lines Amur maple (Acer
ginnala) 15-18 Low Zone Globe Norway maple
(Acer platanoides Globosum) 15-18 Low Zone
Serviceberries (Amelanchier arborea, A.
canadensis) 15-30 Low/Medium Zone Redbuds
(Cercis canadensis, C. mexicana) 20-30 Medium
Zone Fringetrees (Chionanthus retusus, C.
virginicus) 10-25 Low/Medium Zone Dogwoods
(Cornus kousa, C. mas) 20-30 Medium
Zone Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
25-35 Medium Zone Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia
indica) 10-25 Low/Medium Zone Little Gem
magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem)
10-20 Low Zone Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
20-40 Medium Zone Japanese stewartia
(Stewartia pseudocamellia) 20-40 Medium
Zone Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
20-30 Medium Zone Chastetree (Vitex
agnus-castus) 8-15 Low Zone Japanese tree
lilac (Syringa reticulata) 20-30 Medium
Zone Additional species can be found at
http//www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/trees/430-029/430-029.h
tml
Utility Line Arboretum - Hampton Roads
Agricultural Research and Extension Center,
Virginia Beach