FortisBC reminds Southern Interior residents to look up before planting this spring

Apr 27, 2026

Trees planted too close to power lines can create safety hazards and cause power outages

KELOWNA, B.C.—April 27, 2026: As residents across communities in B.C.’s Southern Interior prepare gardens and landscaping projects this spring, FortisBC is reminding property owners to look up before planting near overhead power lines. Planting the right tree in the right place helps protect public safety and supports the reliability of the electricity system by reducing the risk of safety hazards and power outages.

“Before planting trees or shrubs, take a moment to look up and check where power lines are located,” said Ada Nadison, public safety program manager, FortisBC. “Choosing the right tree and planting it far enough away from overhead power lines helps prevent safety hazards and reduces the risk of power outages for you and your community.”

Trees and vegetation growing too close to electrical infrastructure can create serious safety hazards and increase the risk of power outages, particularly during storms and high winds, when branches can break or come into contact with power lines. When planning landscaping projects, FortisBC encourages residents to consider how tall trees will grow at maturity and how close they are planted to overhead power lines.

Tips for planting safely around power lines:

• Look up before planting to identify nearby overhead power lines.
• Contact BC 1 Call before digging to locate underground utilities.
• Avoid planting within five metres on either side of power lines.
• Choose trees and shrubs that will remain small enough to avoid power lines as they grow.
• Never attempt to trim vegetation near power lines yourself. Use a qualified, trained utility arborist and contact FortisBC if you have concerns about trees growing close to electrical infrastructure.

FortisBC also encourages residents to be aware of electrical hazards and maintain a safe distance from power lines. Always stay at least six metres away from overhead power lines and 10 metres (about the length of a school bus) away from downed power lines.

Power outages can occur throughout the year for many reasons, including storms, motor vehicle accidents and objects or branches contacting power lines. Being prepared can help customers and their families safely get through an outage. Customers can check the status of outages or report an outage by visiting fortisbc.com/outages.

More information about planting safely near power lines is available at fortisbc.com/powerlinesafety.

Backgrounder

Planting safely around power lines

When planting trees or shrubs on your property, it’s important to consider the location of overhead power lines and electrical equipment. Choosing the right tree for the right place can help prevent safety hazards and reduce the risk of power outages.

Understanding safe planting zones

To help prevent vegetation from growing into power lines as it matures, FortisBC recommends considering the following planting zones:

• Clear zone: Do not plant anything within five metres on either side of a power line.
• Low zone: From the outer edge of the clear zone to 10 metres away, trees or shrubs may be planted if they grow to five metres or less in height.
• Medium and tall zone: Beyond the low zone, larger trees may be planted as long as they will not reach or fall onto power lines when fully grown or during strong winds.

Trees planted near higher-voltage transmission lines require additional clearances. Property owners should contact FortisBC before planting or performing work near transmission lines.

Safety around power lines

Power lines and electrical equipment can pose serious safety risks if approached too closely.

• Stay at least six metres away from overhead power lines.
• Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away from downed power lines.
• Electricity can arc through the air and energize nearby objects even without direct contact.
• Avoid using metal ladders, irrigation pipes or tools near overhead power lines.

If you see a power line hazard or a tree contacting a power line, stay back and call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-866-436-7847 or dial 911.

Power outage preparedness

Customers and businesses are encouraged to stay prepared by:

• keeping an emergency kit with essential supplies
• having an emergency plan for your household or business
• using surge-protecting power bars to protect electronics
• knowing how to manually open garage doors or gates
• having a backup plan for food storage and essential equipment

Visit PreparedBC for additional resources on preparing for power outages.

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