SDG&E offers tips for safe planting this arbor day

SAN DIEGO – With Arbor Day almost here, San Diego Gas & Electric's (SDG&E) award-winning Vegetation Management team is reminding customers and landscapers to plant the “Right Tree in the Right Place” this Arbor Day. When selecting trees, customers and landscapers are encouraged to keep in mind the future growth of the tree, and note that as trees grow to mature heights they can interfere with overhead power lines and, in some cases, underground utility lines.

Before planting a new tree, and to ensure public safety, SDG&E recommends the following actions:

• Take the time to properly select a tree that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is safe to plant in your area.
• Keep water conservation in mind, and consider planting drought-tolerant trees and vegetation on your property.
• Take the time to choose the planting site as carefully as you chose the tree. Remember to always plant the “Right Tree in the Right Place” for the best chance of success.
• Call Underground Service Alert at 8-1-1 to mark out underground utility lines two days before digging. With just one call, homeowners can have their underground cable, water and energy lines marked out for free. Failing to do this could result in serious injury or death.
• Don't plant shrubs directly in front of utility boxes, or pad-mounted (box) transformers. Allow room for doors to swing open when shrubs are fully grown. The law requires that 8 feet in front of and 2 feet on the other three sides of the transformer must be clear.
• Contact a local arborist, parks department, or public works department to find out whether the county has guidelines for planting trees, and whether a permit is required for planting trees in parkways or public areas.

As part of SDG&E’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program, customers may be eligible for a free tree removal and replacement for incompatible trees that are currently being pruned under the electrical high voltage lines. Customers can call 800-411-SDGE or visit sdge.com/safety to learn more about the “Right Tree, Right Place” program.