How to plant a tree

Tree planting do's

• DO plant the correct distance from the house and choose a size and color to complement your home's exterior.
• DO plant trees to draw attention to your home and provide seasonal color and spring blooms.
• DO use shrubs or small evergreens when planting along the perimeter or fence line.
• DO plant small ornamental trees under power lines. Look for species that will be less than 25 feet high at maturity.
• DO plant trees around patios and decks to provide summer shade. A tree for this spot should be a clean tree that will not litter the patio area with fruits, limbs or leaves every time the wind blows.

Tree planting don't's

• DON'T plant too far from the house. This tree is providing no benefit to the home, and it could be causing problems for the neighbors.
• DON'T plant too close to the driveway or sidewalk. Growing root can easily crack through concrete, and low-hanging branches can block the view of pedestrians or oncoming traffic. Also be aware that the area between the curb and sidewalk might be city-owned property; check with your city clerk's office before planting here.
• DON'T plant large- or medium-size trees under power lines. A storm or even just a brisk wind could easily disrupt electrical service to the entire neighborhood. It doesn't have to be an extended outage to cause problems: branches rubbing on power lines can cause blinks and surges that can damage sensitive electronic equipment.
• DON'T plant too close to the house. Branches can damage siding, gutters and roofing, and roots can block sewer and drain lines. If the tree is deciduous (leafy), leaves will quickly clog the gutters in the fall.

Power line distance planting chart

The planting chart below shows the minimum distance a tree should be planted away from utility poles and lines.