Page 20 - May-June 2020 Vol38 No1
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STATEWIDE by David Shostak
The RWirgohngt Tree in the RWirgohngt Place
Let Me Show You What’s Not Working
When we think of the principles of Forests? Do the benefits and aesthetics Figure 1. Newly planted trees directly underneath
Right Tree Right Place, the first thing of a decapitated tree rival the benefits of overhead utility lines (planted within the last 5 years).
that comes to mind is planting trees a fully grown tree?
in relation to overhead power lines.
Many utility companies, municipalities, Ground considerations must come
universities, and the National Arbor Day into play with advance planning for
Foundation provide guidelines for this. current and future conflicts with
existing and proposed underground
These guides discuss tree utilities (and the things they are
heights, widths, canopy shapes and connected to – water, sanitary
recommended planting locations... sewer, electric, gas, fiber, cable, and
useful for planning and planting stormwater). These lines are connected
purposes. Unfortunately, these guides to lights, transformers, fire hydrants,
are not being used and do not consider water vaults, buildings, storm systems,
all aspects of tree growth and the urban etc. (Figure 2).
environment.
In addition to utilities, site constraints
On a daily basis, new oaks, maples, and “purpose” of the trees must be
elms, and other large trees are being considered. All trees should be matched
planted below power lines, including to the planting location based upon
large evergreens (cryptomeria, Leyland mature canopy size (height and spread),
cypress, hollies, green giants) (Figure 1). trunk diameter (including root flare),
and the life history of the tree. A
Within a few years these trees will parking lot tree should provide shade,
be topped, misshaped, or completely but also provide clearance for vehicles.
removed. Is this our goal? Is this what
we want for the future of our Urban Narrow canopy trees such as a
Figure 2. Underground utilities, transformers, and fire hydrant conflicts Figure 3. Hollies in a parking lot do not provide adequate shade and will not
compete for soil volume (planted within the last 7 years). reduce the urban heat island effect.
20 TPW May/June 2020
