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Message
How far should a tree be planted from underground utility lines.
Posted on 3/27/18 at 6:31 pm
Posted on 3/27/18 at 6:31 pm
The lines drawn on maps screen shot are pretty much exactly where the underground lines run. Electric, gas, water, cable, drainage are all in same row/area.
We got our yard marked recently when putting in landscaping.
I’m wanting to plant a tree as far to the bottom right corner of the photo as possible.
Basically as close to the point where the black “X” is drawn towards the intersection of red orange and yellow line.
Was considering an oak tree or some kind or drake elm or shade tree.
The distance from the street to the front of the house is about 60-65 feet.
Does anyone know how far I should plant from those underground lines?
We got our yard marked recently when putting in landscaping.
I’m wanting to plant a tree as far to the bottom right corner of the photo as possible.
Basically as close to the point where the black “X” is drawn towards the intersection of red orange and yellow line.
Was considering an oak tree or some kind or drake elm or shade tree.
The distance from the street to the front of the house is about 60-65 feet.
Does anyone know how far I should plant from those underground lines?
5
Posted on 3/27/18 at 7:38 pm to Cow Drogo
Depends on a couple things. First, what's the buried line encased with? Thickness, etc. Second, what kind of tree? Tap or fibrous root system?
Whatever you do, imagine the tree in 15 yrs cause it'll get here quickly. Imagining that, give yourself plenty of space.
Whatever you do, imagine the tree in 15 yrs cause it'll get here quickly. Imagining that, give yourself plenty of space.
Posted on 3/27/18 at 8:28 pm to Geauxtiga
That I am not sure of(what it’s encashed with)
But I want the tree as far from the house as possible and as much to that front right corner as possible.
But I want the tree as far from the house as possible and as much to that front right corner as possible.
Posted on 3/27/18 at 8:30 pm to Geauxtiga
Residential service lines usually aren't incased in anything other than pvc
Posted on 3/27/18 at 8:49 pm to shawnlsu
Would that be safe?
Posted on 3/27/18 at 9:32 pm to Cow Drogo
If you aren’t in city limits, which usually have ordinances on this, I’d consult directly with the electric/utility provider. They don’t want to deal with the headache later and neither do you.
Posted on 3/27/18 at 10:10 pm to Cow Drogo
Id plant it outside of the easement, far enough if they cut an open trench it wouldn't harm the tree root system.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 12:54 am to Cow Drogo
underground roots will spread out the same distance as the branches above ground
Posted on 3/28/18 at 12:55 am to Cow Drogo
quote:
Would that be safe?
Yes, if it's in an electrical grade pvc. If it's just buried in the yard then it should be schedule 40. If traffic will be driving over it or where it comes out of the ground and runs up a pole will be schedule 80.
OP needs to call the electric company and someone should come out and tell him where not to plant.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 6:16 am to Maytheporkbewithyou
So my main concern is the electric?
The natural gas line and water drainage pipe should be ok?
The natural gas line and water drainage pipe should be ok?
Posted on 3/28/18 at 6:19 am to keakar
quote:
underground roots will spread out the same distance as the branches above ground
Thats kind of the problem.
If I plant one of these big canopy shade trees (example 50-60 foot diameter) and I had to plant it 30 feet from that corner, it would be way closer to the house than I’d like and i would rather not have a tree at all than plant it that close unfortunately.
I’ll call the electric company.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 6:44 am to Cow Drogo
No, any utility would be bad to dig in to or for the roots to grow in to. Could be expensive fixes and you would definitely lose the tree later on. You need to have someone from your different utilities come out and advise you. Good luck man.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 6:57 am to Cow Drogo
I just planted a live oak 15 feet from my underground power. Some articles on the internest recommended 10 feet but that seems a bit close for a live oak. The roots are going to reach the power line, no doubt. But I think that they will co-exist OK and not be all that large, at least until the tree is huge. And at that point I really won't be around to care.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 4:17 pm to Tigris
How large is your live oak?
I called the 811 call before you dig number and I called Entergy and neither knew the answer to this question. 811 only said a structure must be 18 inches away from the underground lines but they did not know about the tree root situation and their potential effect.
How do they not know this?
I called the 811 call before you dig number and I called Entergy and neither knew the answer to this question. 811 only said a structure must be 18 inches away from the underground lines but they did not know about the tree root situation and their potential effect.
How do they not know this?
Posted on 3/28/18 at 4:46 pm to Cow Drogo
quote:The outer edges of the tree's roots will be smaller and much less likely to damage lines.
Thats kind of the problem.
If I plant one of these big canopy shade trees (example 50-60 foot diameter) and I had to plant it 30 feet from that corner, it would be way closer to the house than I’d like and i would rather not have a tree at all than plant it that close unfortunately.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 7:23 pm to Cow Drogo
Call 811 and have them locate the lines. Depending on the tree, you want to be 5-15 away from any lines. This includes if you have an underground sprinkler system.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 8:38 pm to Cow Drogo
quote:
I called Entergy
You may want to call them back and tell them you need an EA or a serviceman to come out and look at it. What part of Louisiana do you live in?
Posted on 3/28/18 at 9:14 pm to Cow Drogo
quote:
If I plant one of these big canopy shade trees (example 50-60 foot diameter) and I had to plant it 30 feet from that corner, it would be way closer to the house than I’d like and i would rather not have a tree at all than plant it that close unfortunately.
Then don't plant a tree with a canopy 50 to 60 feet in diameter. Select a tree with a 40' canopy. (FWIW, a tree with a 40' canopy would be planted at least 20' from the underground utilities to side and rear of the property, which is 28' from the corner.)
White Bear and keakar both gave good advice.
It sounds like you have already decided to plant a live oak and you are on the OB seeking acceptance. Plant whatever you want and maybe you won't be living in the house when its time to deal with an oversized tree.
Posted on 3/28/18 at 11:41 pm to Cow Drogo
quote:
Thats kind of the problem.
just move all the utility pipes closer to run next to the house and plant it in the spot you wanted. you will have to do it later when the tree gets full grown anyway so do it now and be done with it.
Posted on 3/29/18 at 1:26 pm to Cow Drogo
It's only about 4 foot tall now. Supposedly it won't grow much this year, but then start growing close to 3 feet/year after this. I planted it out of curiosity as much as anything, though it's a perfect spot.
From what I read I think the root situation is tricky to define, at best. My expectation is that the roots will work themselves around the underground power line rather than attack it. It's soft sandy soil so it's easiest for them just to bypass the line. And it's not a water source so the roots won't seek it out. A sewer/septic line, driveway, or house foundation has a lot more potential to create problems.
From what I read I think the root situation is tricky to define, at best. My expectation is that the roots will work themselves around the underground power line rather than attack it. It's soft sandy soil so it's easiest for them just to bypass the line. And it's not a water source so the roots won't seek it out. A sewer/septic line, driveway, or house foundation has a lot more potential to create problems.
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