Get planting on Arbor Day

Planting trees is great for both your property and the environment. With the start of the planting season this month, Georgia Power encourages customers to make the right landscaping choices around their homes and businesses. Planting the right tree in the right place can help decrease the likelihood of a power outage in the event of a storm from falling trees, and ensuring power lines are clear of trees and brush also makes it easier for quicker power restoration.

Georgia Power maintains 160,000 line acres and 24,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines under guidelines set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). These maintenance activities are an essential piece of the company’s commitment to ensuring reliable service for 2.5 million customers in every corner of the state.

If you’re considering planting trees or other foliage, follow Georgia Power’s quick checklist.

Planting Checklist:

• Divide your yard into three specific planting zones:
  • The Tall Zone (trees 60 feet or higher).
  • The Medium Zone (trees no taller than 40 feet).
  • The Low Zone (trees and shrubs no taller than 25 feet). Trees and shrubs in the Low Zone may be planted 15 feet from electric utility wires.
• Call Georgia 811 before you dig to ensure your project is safe and complies with the “Georgia Dig Law.”
• Visit www.Georgia811.com if you have questions on your dig or project, or dial 8-1-1 or (800) 282-7411.