Trees are an important part of the environment that beautify communities and neighborhoods. That’s why Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is committed to balancing the importance of trees with the equally important need to safely provide a reliable supply of electricity.

Just one tree limb can knock out electric service to dozens of families living several miles away. One falling limb can stop sensitive machinery, halting production for local businesses. Trees and brush that grow into power lines can delay efforts to restore service in the event a power outage does occur.

I&M has a comprehensive program to manage the growth of trees and brush located near equipment that delivers electricity to homes and businesses.

While you can count on I&M to clear woody vegetation growth from power lines, thoughtful practices, like planting the right tree in the right place, can preserve a community’s trees while also serving a utility's customers.

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I&M recommends that no trees or shrubs be planted directly underneath power lines or near transformers that power underground lines. The diagram below, provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation, is a good guide when making landscaping decisions.

Consider the following characteristics of tree species before planting:

• Height: will it bump into anything when it is fully grown?
• Canopy spread: how wide will the tree grow?
• Growth rate: slow growing species are typically stronger and live longer than those that grow faster.
• Form or shape: a columnar tree will grow in less space, while round or V-shaped trees provide more shade.

I&M encourages customers to check with the company before placing anything (such as trees, swing sets, decks, porches, pools, etc.) near overhead or underground power lines. Encroachments to these areas present serious safety hazards and may be subject to damage, removal or relocation at your expense.

I&M Customer Solutions Centers are staffed 24-hours a day, or you can log on to www.indianamichiganpower.com. should you have questions before landscaping.

Your local nursery or tree service can recommend the right tree for the right place. Below is a short list of small, medium and tall growing trees recommended by I&M.

Small Trees (mature growth:20 feet or less )
If planting within 15 feet of power lines is unavoidable

• Flowering Crabapple
• Flowering Dogwood
• Redbud
• Serviceberry
• Sweetbay Magnolia
• Wafer-Ash
• Common Hawthorn

Medium Trees (mature growth: 25-40 feet )
Plant at least 20 feet away from overhead power lines

• Ruby Red Horse Chestnut
• Amur Cork Tree
• Globe Norway Maple
• Yellowwood
• Korean Mountain Ash
• Panicled Golden Rain Tree
• Hedge Maple
• Japanese Flowering cherry

Evergreens (mature growth: up to 30 feet)

• American Arborvitae
• Junipers
• Japanese Yew
• False Cypress

Large Trees (mature growth: over 40 feet)
Plant 50 feet or more away from overhead lines

• Ginkgo
• Norway Maple
• Oak
• Sweetgum
• Red Maple
• Linden or Basswood
• London Plane
• Sugar Maple

Evergreens (mature growth: over 30 feet height)

• White Pine
• Austrian Pine
• Whith Firs
• Blue Spruce

Species not suitable for planting near power lines

• Catalpa
• Carolina Poplar
• Silver Maple
• Boxelder
• Willow
• Siberian Elm
• Black Locust
• Cottonwood
• Tree of Heaven
• Mulberry
• Elm species

Never attempt to trim or remove tree limbs near adjacent power lines. Call us if you are concerned about a tree that may be in contact with a power line.

Call before you dig. Whether you’re digging to plant a tree or for any other purpose, AEP offers the same advice: Be sure you know the location of any underground utility facilities before you dig.

When it comes to tree maintenance, I&M wants to work with you. We appreciate your efforts to plant the right tree in the right place.

For more information about I&M’s line clearing program, contact us at one of the following toll-free numbers

• Indiana: 800-311-4634
• Michigan: 800-311-6424