What trees or vegetation may I plant in the power line right-of-way area?
Great River Energy maintains its “wire zone” (the area directly under the line) clear of all vegetation, to keep an open maintenance corridor and allow for visual inspection of the transmission line. This area is generally 15 feet either side of the centerline. For the area 15 to 25 feet from the transmission centerline, vegetation maturing to less than 20 feet is allowable. Some examples include amur maple, dogwood, hazelnut, lilac, spirea, cranberry bush, juniper, honey suckle and alder. For the area 25 feet from the transmission centerline to the outside edge of the right-of-way, the allowable maximum height is equal to the measured distance from the transmission centerline. For example, a tree that matures to 40 feet in height must be planted at least 40 feet from the centerline. Trees that meet this zone’s requirement include crabapple, sumac, arborvitae, three flowered maple, redbud, American wild plum and Princess Kay plum.
