If you are planning to plant a tree this spring, Hydro One has five tips to help put the right tree, in the right place.
Proper placement can reduce your energy consumption, keep your family safe and ensure the tree doesn’t impact nearby power lines. More than 30 per cent of power outages in Hydro One’s service territory are caused by tree contact. Hydro One removes trees and branches that could impact the delivery of electricity through its vegetation maintenance program.
1. Plant tall-growing trees at least eight metres away from power lines. Tree contact with power lines accounts for about 30 per cent of power outages in Ontario.
2. Deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees provide shade from the summer sun to cut down on heat gain, but lose their leaves in winter to let sunlight enter the home and maximize solar warmth and light. Place them to the south and the southwest to provide shade from late afternoon/evening sun.
3. A good windbreak includes a mixture of coniferous trees, deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs and perennial plants. The right combination planted tightly together can thoroughly shield your home from cold winter gusts. Even a single row of white pine trees can reduce the speed of wind hitting a home by 60 per cent.
4. Low-growing evergreen shrubs planted beside basement walls add a green layer of insulation to a home’s exterior. Tightly placed shrubs help to keep warmth in and winter winds out. Remember to plant shrubs at least 60 centimetres away from foundation walls.
5. Call before you dig to locate underground lines. Call Ontario One Call to book 1-800-400-2255 or visit www.on1call.com
What is Arbour week?
Arbour Day was founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska. It is now celebrated as a week-long event to recognize the important role trees play in our ecosystem.
