While National Arbor Day is in April, we Texans have our very own Arbor Day the first Friday in November.
The fall date isn’t arbitrary. It was chosen to better align with the best time of year to plant trees in Texas, where we often continue to feel the heat well into October. A properly planted tree can grow to provide shade, beauty and fresh air.
Trees help combat the effects of pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide. As they grow, they take sunlight and combine it with carbon from the air to photosynthesize.
That process removes carbon from the air and sequesters, or stores, it in the biomass of trees and in the ground. This makes trees a natural “carbon sink,” or living source of carbon reduction. Some trees are better suited for this task than others, and trees that grow quickly and live long are ideal carbon sinks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind if you celebrate Texas Arbor Day on November 6.
Choosing the right tree for the right place is crucial. Your electric cooperative reminds you of the importance of planting tall-growing trees safely away from power lines. Trees that grow too close to lines can create shock and fire hazards as well as cause power outages.
Take the time to research tree selections by consulting your local arborist, tree nursery or cooperative experts, who can help design a beautiful, shade-filled yard with trees that are appropriate for each area of the landscape but won’t grow to interfere with the electric supply.
Trees conduct electricity and can create a safety hazard if growing close to electric lines. Power outages or momentary interruptions can occur when branches come into contact with overhead lines. Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch also can cause a fire.
Another concern is the safety risk when children climb trees near power lines. Accidental contact with electric wires via a tree limb can be fatal.
If you have trees that appear to be growing into power lines, contact your co-op. Never try to prune them yourself. Your co-op can recommend skilled professionals trained to safely prune and trim trees for electric line clearance.
To avoid future electrical hazards, remember these safe planting tips.
Consider how tall a tree will grow. Never plant near a power line any tree that could grow to 25 feet or taller. Tall-growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines for safety and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning. A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines.
Do not plant near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow to interfere with underground pipes, cables and wires. And future repairs to these facilities could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees.
Keep areas around electric equipment clear. Electric meters, transformers and other equipment should be free of any vegetation that could limit utility service access.
Before digging, call 811. Have them mark the location of underground utilities to avoid accidental contact, damage and injuries. It’s free, and it’s the law.
Trees and shrubs can provide color, screening and shade and enhance the quality of life in our communities and environment. Just consider the types of trees that coexist well with power lines and the environment before you start planting.
