Transmission Planting Within an Easement

Planning ahead is important when you are thinking about planting a new tree. People often plant trees without thinking about how large they will grow once they mature. It’s difficult to imagine that the six- or eight-foot tree you plant today could grow as tall as 80 or 100 feet over time.

Always contact 811 before you dig. It’s the law.

No matter what type of tree you purchase and where you plan to plant it, always be sure to contact 811 before you dig. The depth of underground utilities (i.e. electricity, natural gas, water, cable and telephone service) varies.

When you contact Kentucky 811 or Virginia 811, they will coordinate with its member utility companies in your area to have the underground service lines marked. LG&E and ODP are member utilities in all of the areas they serve. KU is a member utility in many areas, but, in some areas, you will need to make a call to KU to request to have underground electric service marked.

To find out if KU is a member in the county where you will be planting your tree, visit this list.

The utility companies will mark your yard using the American Public Works Association's standard utility color code — at no charge to you — to ensure you know where their service lines are buried.

Compatible species for planting

This list is not all-inclusive and is meant as a guide. Vegetation of any species may be removed for operational, safety or reliability reasons.

Shrubs

  • American Yew
  • Blackberry
  • Blueberry
  • Elderberry
  • Forsythia
  • Hydrangea
  • Huckleberry
  • Meadowsweet
  • Mountain Laurel
  • Raspberry
  • Red Vein Enkianthus
  • Rhododendron
  • Smooth Sumac (Dwarf)
  • Spicebush
  • Sweetfern
  • Trailing Arbutus
  • Viburnum
  • Weigela
  • Winterberry
  • Wintergreen

Small trees

Planting near transmission lines requires prior written approval from an authorized LKE representative. Due to safety concerns, including electrical arching, trees are not permitted in these areas and cannot be trimmed.

Unapproved vegetation will be removed by a qualified LKE contractor during the scheduled maintenance cycle, which occurs every four years.

Other species

  • All native grasses
  • Ferns
  • Non-woody plants, excluding bamboo