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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2005

CONTACT: Connie Kacprowicz
Communications Specialist
Office - (573) 874-7330

Plant the right tree in the right place for Arbor Day
									
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - For those planting a tree in celebration of
Missouri Arbor Day on April 1, Columbia Water and Light encourages them
to carefully consider the location of their new tree. Trees can provide
great shade for a building, which saves on cooling costs, but they can
be problematic for utility service when planted in the wrong place.  
	When selecting a tree, consideration needs to be given to what
type of tree will not cause problems when it is mature. Some trees are
more susceptible to broken limbs and disease, which can cause damage to
electric service lines. Trees that have been problematic in our area
are: Silver Maples, Lombardy Poplars, Silver Poplars, Weeping Willows,
Cottonwoods, Hybrid Poplars, Boxelders, Sycamores, Osage Oranges,
Siberian Elms and Trees of Heaven.  
	Choosing a location for a tree should be based on how tall and
wide the tree will be at maturity. Trees should be planted away from
overhead power lines, underground water and sewer lines, driveways and
sidewalks. Planting a tree too close to utility lines
service interruptions and the tree limbs might have to be trimmed to
keep the electric lines free and clear. Tree roots can be very
destructive to pavement so trees should be planted away from these
surfaces.
	There are some general guidelines to follow when planting around
overhead power lines. Trees that grow over 60 feet should be planted 45
feet away from power lines. Medium trees that grow 30 to 60 feet high
can be as close as 35 feet. Small growing ornamental trees like dogwoods
or redbuds should be planted 15 feet away from the power line.  
	Before digging a hole to plant a tree, underground utilities
need to be located.  One call to 1-800-DIG-RITE is all that is necessary
to have all underground utilities marked. It is important to note that
sewer and water lines will only be marked on the utility side of the
meter. Private lines running from the meter to a home are not located by
the utility. These lines generally lie in a direct path between the
meter and where the water comes into the building.
	Columbia Water & Light encourages the planting of trees because
of their shading properties which reduce cooling costs but they are also
good for the environment. The utility has been named a Tree Line USA
utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1998. The
honor is received in recognition of the utility's efforts in
responsible tree trimming practices and programs to promote appropriate
planting near utility lines. Proper planting techniques are encouraged
throughout the year by Water and Light employees. The utility also
provides free shade trees through its Tree Power program and will
replace large growing problematic trees near power lines with small
growing ornamental trees.

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