11 Trees That Can Cause Trouble Near Power Lines

Planting trees can enhance your property with shade, beauty, and increased value. However, when power lines are nearby, your choices matter. Some trees, though lovely, can grow into significant hazards, leading to power outages, safety risks, and expensive repairs.

Before you start digging, consider these trees that are best kept away from utility lines.

1. Black Walnut

The black walnut tree boasts impressive stature and valuable wood, but its expansive branches and potential height of 75 feet make it problematic near power lines. Adding to the trouble, it emits a chemical called juglone, which can harm surrounding plants.

2. Eucalyptus

These towering giants, reaching up to 200 feet, are iconic in the Australian outback but disastrous near power lines. Eucalyptus trees frequently shed bark and branches, creating hazards, and their oil-rich leaves are highly flammable, posing a fire risk.

3. Red Maple

Admired for its fiery fall colors, the red maple often grows 40 to 60 feet tall, easily encroaching on utility lines. Its fast growth and tendency to split during storms make it a frequent cause of power outages and fire hazards.

4. Pine Trees

With their evergreen needles and towering height, pines seem idyllic but pose significant risks. Their soft wood is prone to storm damage, and their tall, narrow structure makes them susceptible to uprooting. Fallen pine needles also increase fire hazards during dry seasons.

5. Poplar Trees

Poplars are among the fastest-growing trees, often reaching 100 feet. However, their rapid growth comes with weak wood prone to breaking. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, poplars are a top species for causing power line interference.

6. Mulberry Trees

While mulberries are popular for their sweet fruit, they’re ill-suited for planting near power lines. These fast-growing trees have brittle branches that snap easily in storms. Their fallen fruit can also create slip hazards and messy sidewalks.

7. Willow Trees

Known for their graceful, drooping branches, willows grow 35 to 50 feet tall and have aggressive root systems. Their branches often snap under high winds, creating hazards for homeowners and utility workers alike.

8. Bradford Pear

The Bradford pear’s dense canopy and weak branches make it a common culprit for power outages. Though its height typically maxes out at 30 to 50 feet, its structural weaknesses make it a poor choice near utility lines.

9. American Elm

Renowned for its vase-shaped canopy, the American elm can grow up to 70 feet tall. Its susceptibility to Dutch elm disease weakens the tree further, increasing the likelihood of limb breakage near power lines.

10. Silver Maple

With a height of up to 80 feet, the silver maple is notorious for its shallow roots that damage sidewalks and water pipes. Its brittle branches make it a frequent cause of storm-related power disruptions.

11. Oak Trees

Majestic and long-lived, oaks are beloved in landscapes but troublesome near utilities. Growing up to 100 feet tall, their tough-to-trim branches are a leading cause of power line interference, according to the USU Extension.