Trees and Utility Line Planning & Planting, Part 4
 | Author:
Patrick Plantenberg, Tree Board Chair
Townsend Tree Board Chair, Townsend Rotary Club |
Trees and Utility Line Planning & Planting, Part 4 Patrick Plantenberg, Tree Board Chair Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles to help prepare residents for any planned tree planting or pruning in their yards this coming year. The Townsend Tree Board is proud to provide this series of articles on tree planting and pruning considerations. A demonstration site on the northwest corner of D Street and South Walnut Street here in Townsend is being used.
In last week’s article, we learned: • How to call for a locate to identify underground utilities. • The locate will not identify underground sprinkler systems. • Make a map of the utilities so you remember where they are. • How to remove problem tree stumps using chemicals, digging them out, or using a stump grinder.
Now, all of the problem trees under the utility lines have been removed. Where do you replant? You will need to make a map of your yard to help identify suitable locations for any new trees and shrubs. There are many sources of information to help you map and design your yard. One is from Better Homes and Gardens: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/mapping-your-yard/. There are also software programs to design your yard.
On the map, include the locations of the home, garage, storage sheds, driveway, fences, etc. Include all the underground utility locations you just located but also overhead powerlines, communication lines, and service lines to the home. And don’t forget to show your sprinkler head and sprinkler valve box locations. Trees and shrubs will impact the spray pattern of your sprinklers.
What other areas should be identified on the map? Don’t forget to include a north arrow - some trees and shrubs need sunny or shady locations. In our example at the corner of D Street and South Walnut, the alley right-of-way is 15 feet wide so plant far enough away to prevent impacts to garbage trucks and other vehicles that use the alley. You may also want to identify a buffer between the neighbor’s yard to the north to prevent future battles over tree limbs crossing the property line.
The typical streets in Townsend are 66 feet wide. This means that a lot of this corner lot is on city property. You can plant on city property, but you will need to check with the city to provide adequate setbacks to avoid future sidewalk construction impacts or street construction work. Per city ordinances, maintenance of trees and sidewalks on city property are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Because this is a corner lot you will need to plant trees and shrubs over 2 feet tall at least 35 feet from the corner to avoid visibility impacts for traffic in what is called the visibility or clear sight triangle (Picture 1). Don’t forget to also avoid visibility impacts in the area next to the alley and driveway so people can see as they try to enter the alley or street.
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click on link to view pdf: clearsight triangle.pdf
