Community OutreachTree Trimming: Thoughtful Tree Planting
If you are thinking about planting new trees around your home, being mindful of the type, location and eventual height of the trees you choose is another way to improve safety and electric reliability. In fact, this is LIPA’s preferred, long-term solution to trees interfering with electric wires.
Overview | Tree Planning | Proper Planting | Wire-Friendly Trees | Asian Longhorned Beetle
Plant the right tree in the right
place.
Different trees have different mature heights. By paying
special attention to where you plant each tree, you can
enhance the value of your property, save energy costs
and prevent costly maintenance trimming or potential
damage to your home. Good landscaping uses shrubs and
low-growing trees that are compatible with LIPA’s
overhead & underground electric lines. These
“wire-friendly” trees will not reach electric lines and,
therefore, help prevent power interruptions to you and
your neighbors.
Trees that grow 20 to 35 feet
This region ends 15 feet away from electric utility wires.
Appropriate trees for planting in this location include Amur
Maples, Hedge Maples, Serviceberries, Flowering Crabapples,
Kousa Dogwoods, Star Magnolias, Goldenrain Trees, Flowering
Cherry trees, Japanese Tree Lilacs, and Cleveland Select Callery
Pears.
Trees that grow 35 to 60 feet
This section takes in mostly lawn area. Decorate or frame
your house instead of hiding it from sight. Select medium-sized
trees like Green Ash, Thornless Honey Locust, Tupelo, Sawtooth
Oak, Willow Oak, English Oak, Littleleaf Linden, Chinese Elm and
Japanese Zelkova.
Trees that grow 60 to 100 feet
You can use larger types of trees here; however, the tree
planting should consider your neighbor’s view or their own
planting of flowerbeds and trees. Plant large trees at least 35
feet away from the house for proper root development and to
minimize tree damage to the house or building. Tall trees
include London Planetree, Northern Red Oak and Silver Linden.
Using trees to keep your home more comfortable and save
energy
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "carefully
positioned trees can save up to 25% of household energy
consumption for heating and cooling." Place deciduous (leaf
dropping) trees on the east, west and north west side of the
house. They’ll help keep your home cool in the summer and allow
the rays of the sun to warm the house in the winter. Always be
sure to shade air conditioning units. When possible plant
evergreen trees on the windward side of your home to serve as
protection from the cold winter winds. Your local nursery will
be happy to help you make the correct decision when selecting
trees, shrubs and plants that will enhance your property. Bring
a plot plan with you when shopping for new trees.
Call Before You Dig
It is extremely important that you survey your property
before you start planting, or begin a construction project that
involves digging, drilling or excavating. Make sure you know the
location of any underground utilities that may be buried. To
help you locate these facilities, we recommend you call the
national "Call Before You Dig" number,811,atleast two working
days ahead of time. If necessary, the location of pipes or
cables will be marked for you free of charge. Please remind any
contractors you may hire that they are obligated by law to call
before excavating.
Learn more
LIPA is recognized for its Forestry
Programs
LIPA has been named a Tree Line USA utility by the National
Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State
Foresters. LIPA was the first electric utility in New York State
to achieve this distinction. The Tree Line USA Award recognizes
utilities that meet three requirements: a program of quality
tree care, annual worker training, and public education. Better
tree care by Tree Line USA utilities means beautiful trees for
the future and savings for the customer.
LIPA Customer Service: 1-800-490-0025
Overview | Tree Planning | Proper Planting | Wire-Friendly Trees | Asian Longhorned Beetle
