Firewise and Power Line Friendly Trees and Shrubs are Always the Right Pick

Provided by Chelan County PUD

As with any long-term relationship, to be successful the trees and shrubs you choose for your yard will need room to grow and to put down deep roots.

Take your time when considering a plant partner, said Chelan PUD Arborist Bill Sanborn, who manages the utility’s vegetation program.

“You want to put some thought into it,” Sanborn said. “Winter hardiness, bark and leaf color and height at full growth are all things to think about.”

“Most important is that the mature height and spread of the tree should remain 10 feet from power lines.”

Arbor Day celebrations make April a great time to commit to a seedling or two that planted in the right place can help conserve energy by providing shade in hot summer sun and wind breaks in the winter. Trees also clean the air we breathe by the absorbing CO2.

Chelan PUD is a sponsor of seedling distributions in five communities. You can talk with Sanborn about the best varieties for planting near power lines at Saturday’s, April 14, distribution at Walla Walla Point Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (as supplies last).

Sanborn said this year’s purple lilac, serviceberry and red flowering currant seedlings are good choices for planting near power lines. Chelan PUD is celebrating its 20thTree Line USA Award honoring industry best practices for managing trees near power lines. Directional pruning is one of those practices PUD crews use to keep trees healthy and less likely to fall into power lines when storms hit.

Creating an attractive and fire-resistant landscape is important for safety. WSU Chelan/Douglas County Master Gardeners has good information on its website on varieties to choose. You can see how they grow at the Firewise Demonstration Garden at Douglas County Fire District 2’s station in East Wenatchee.

Sanborn is happy to answer tree questions from Chelan PUD customers-owners and to work with them to prune or remove trees growing too close to power lines.

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For more information contact Bill Sanborn, PUD arborist and vegetation manager, at (509) 661- 4508, or bill.sanborn@chelanpud.org.

Learn more about Chelan PUD at www.chelanpud.org