Grow with the Flow

February 18, 2026

Now is the perfect time to start planning your spring landscaping. Before the planting season arrives, a little forethought about where you place trees and shrubs can help keep your property safe and your power reliable. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you plan.

Planting Around a Transformer Zone

• Keep at least 10 feet of clearance in front of the unit and four feet around the other three sides.
• Choose low-growing, non-woody plants such as Black-Eyed Susans, Daylilies, or Shasta Daisies, and place them at least 5 feet from the unit.
• Avoid digging, installing fencing, or placing structures near the transformer. Our crews need clear access to restore power quickly when outages occur, and clear access means faster restoration for you.

Planting in Our Right-of-Way Area

• Select species that won’t exceed 20 feet at maturity.
• Rather than planting directly beneath power lines, position trees at the edge of the right-of-way to allow safe clearance.
• Keep in mind that trees within the right-of-way may be pruned or removed in accordance with Union Power’s vegetation management guidelines.

Smart planting protects your property, keeps our crews safe, and helps prevent outages in your neighborhood. Planning your landscape now means you’ll be ready to plant with confidence when spring arrives. For a list of recommended plants and additional guidelines, visit union-power.com/vegetation-management or call 704-289-3145.