Do you have an area that could use a tree or two, but and it is a big BUT.... there are overhead wires looming above? Don't you dare let those daunting power lines halt your plan because we have UtiliTrees™!
UtiliTrees™ is a curated list of utility-friendly trees from J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
We included several of these trees on our own list of the BEST Trees to Plant Under Utilities, along with some other trees that are more than worthy of consideration.
UtiliTrees™ and other small-stature trees are a smart pick for the restricted zone (the area between the street and sidewalk, and under the utility lines above).
The utility-friendly trees on this list have been carefully selected with your exact situation in mind.
One benefit of many of the trees on this list is that they are all relatively disease and pest-resistant, as well as tolerant of urban conditions.
Key characteristics to look for in a utility safe tree →
Before planting a tree under utilities, consider its mature height, taking into account walkways, branching height, and its overall shape and form. You'll ensure the tree will not grow too tall or wide, preventing it from growing into wires or impeding nearby walkways.
• Small mature size: Avoid planting trees that will grow to be larger than 25 feet tall. This will help prevent the tree from becoming tangled up in the wires.
• Adaptability: You'll want a tree that's built tough. One that's tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
• Pedestrian-friendly: Planting a more compact tree, with vase-shaped or upward-sweeping branches, will allow cars and pedestrians to easily access the area. Also, it makes it easy for the trees to be pruned back without compromising their shape. Avoid low-branched trees near walkways.
Sizing & Spacing Tips →
• Plant a tree no larger than 25 feet tall. 15-20 feet tall is best, and 25 feet max. This will allow you to safely plant directly under utilities without having to do any kind of major pruning down the road.
• Keep LARGE shade trees 25 to 40 feet away from overhead power lines. If you must plant a tree that will grow to be medium to large in height, it should be planted a minimum of 25 feet away from utility lines. 25-40 feet away is best. This will help prevent branches from becoming entangled in wires. Also, it will help you avoid danger or damage that can be caused by storms when branches from large shade trees hit a power line.
We have all seen those trees. The ones who have half of their canopy carved out. Don't you even think about letting your tree be that tree!
Planting the right tree in the right space can help eliminate a lot of problems down the road. It can help to prevent storm-related damage, and it will save an immense amount of money when it comes to tree pruning and removal. Save yourself the headache and extra expenses, and plant a tree on this list.
• UtiliTrees™ for Near Walkways and Streets •
These options will have more upright branching habits, which give clearance for parked cars and sidewalks. For these areas, consider a single-trunk (caliper) tree.
Meet the dazzling Red Jewel™ Crabapple! This tree boasts a fantastic, compact, upright branching style, making it our top choice for a white flowering crabapple. It grows to be about 15 feet tall and around 12 feet wide.
In spring, prepare to be impressed as it erupts with beautiful, fragrant white flowers that cover its branches, creating a breathtaking display! As fall approaches, this beauty will surprise you with persistent red fruits that add a pop of color.
Adaptable and disease-resistant, Red Jewel offers year-round charm with something special for every season. Plus, it won’t even come close to those pesky overhead lines when fully grown! This tree is truly a safe bet for your landscape and will be the crown jewel of the neighborhood!
Let us introduce you to Amur Maackia! This tough tree is a solid choice for city environments where space is at a premium and site conditions can be iffy, and it's particularly useful for planting beneath utilities. With its striking upright branching and elegant vase-shaped form, Amur Maackia serves as a stunning ornamental and flowering tree that enhances the beauty of any landscape while still being highly functional.
When most other trees are done blooming, Amur Maackia rises to the occasion, bringing delightful scents and beauty to your yard. Its soft, medium green leaves provide a lush backdrop throughout the growing season. While there may be no dramatic fall color change, the unique coppery colored bark with green undertones adds a layer of charm and texture to the landscape.
Plant this tree in your landscape, and you'll not only solve the challenge of planting under utility lines but also transform your outdoor space into a multi-seasonal oasis.
Transform your landscape with the stunning Raspberry Spear® Crabapple tree! This tree boasts a tightly branched, upright, oval canopy that only gets about 8 feet wide once fully grown. This makes it perfect for those tight spaces under utility lines and near those "restricted zones."
As spring arrives, prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display of dark pink blossoms that blanket its compact canopy. The air will become infused with a delightful floral aroma. In the fall, watch as the dark purple leaves become a bold rusty orange color 🍂.
With its seasonal beauty, this tree will enhance any outdoor space!
This showy ornamental tree checks all the boxes! It's beautiful throughout the seasons, its small stature makes it a top pick for tight spaces, and it's durable to boot!
Great Wall® Tree Lilac remains compact in size, reaching only 20 feet tall and about 12 feet wide once fully mature. Ideal for tight spaces and where space restrictions are a challenge. This tree is suitable for parkways, as an accent in the landscape, and it is particularly suitable for planting under utilities.
This tree's upward-sweeping branches create an upright oval canopy. Clean, glossy, dark green leaves are tear-drop-shaped with a sharply tapered tip. Bright white fragrant flowers contrast against dark leaves, and its cinnamon to russet-colored bark peels away in papery layers, revealing a smooth, shiny trunk with light-colored lenticels. Great Wall® Tree Lilac's fragrant plumes of flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. How charming is that?
Get ready to be mesmerized by Pink Flair® Cherry, a stunning flowering cherry tree that packs a punch despite its compact height! As spring unfolds, this tree will spark joy with its clusters of fragrant, single pink blooms 🌸 that bring a delightful fragrance to your yard.
What makes Pink Flair® Cherry truly special is its resilience; it blooms a week or two later than other cherry blossom trees, cleverly avoiding potential late frost damage. This hardy little gem is not just easy on the eyes; it’s built to withstand the elements, too!
As the seasons change, watch in awe as its leaves transform into an eye-catching range of rich reds and outstanding oranges, adding a colorful canopy to your autumn landscape.
With its elegant, vase-shaped silhouette, Pink Flair® Cherry reaches a mature height of no more than 25 feet, fitting in under utility lines, no sweat 💦!
Golden Raindrops is an enchanting small tree that matures into an elegant upright vase shape, making it a smart ornamental option. Its small mature size ensures it won’t interfere with overhead wires, allowing you to maintain safety while elevating your landscape. In spring, its branches become profusely covered in frothy white flowers, making it a true spectacle you'll look forward to year after year. As autumn arrives, its dark green leaves change into a golden-yellow hue brushed with hints of deep red, lighting up your autumn landscape!
During the winter season, this tree's slender limbs create an elegant silhouette against the snowy backdrop, offering a unique and striking visual element during the colder months. It's small, bright golden yellow crabapple fruit adorn the branches, adding a splash of color and interest, while serving as a food source for local wildlife.
This tree is renowned for its excellent disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. Its resilience allows it to thrive in various conditions while maintaining its beauty. With all these features, Golden Raindrops® Crabapple is not just a beautiful addition to your yard; it’s a practical choice for planting under utility lines, combining sophistication with functionality!
Ivory Silk® Japanese Tree Lilac
We present the exotic Ivory Silk® Japanese Tree Lilac! We get it, we can’t stop raving about this tree. Can you blame us? It's that fabulous! If you've got a spot for it, we will probably recommend it!
This intriguing beauty is an exclusive UtiliTrees™ VIP list member. It can strut its stuff safely under those pesky overhead utility lines. Ivory Silk® Japanese Tree Lilac is a small tree that grows to be about 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide with an oval-rounded crown providing a glorious canopy of shade. Come late spring, be on the lookout for its stunning clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers. They truly smell as heavenly as they look, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies! This unique tree is safe for parkways, backyard retreats, or as a stunning backdrop for your patio. Plant this beauty, and turn your ordinary yard into a dreamy outdoor paradise!
Oh, let us count the ways! This compact, ornamental tree is an exciting addition to landscapes of all shapes and sizes. Yes, it's another maple, BUT hear us out. This maple tree IS different. Paperbark Maple stands out for its unique beauty and functionality, especially in areas with overhead power lines. It doesn't grow to be too large, and its compact branching means you can plant it confidently under utilities without the worry of interference.
Paperbark Maple is a showy tree that showcases trifolate green leaves that provide a delicate texture in summer. When autumn arrives, it transforms into a spectacular sight with vivid reddish-orange hues. Its striking canopy is complemented by attractive peeling cinnamon colored bark, adding texture to the landscape throughout all seasons.
Paperbark Maple requires little maintenance, and its adaptability allows it to thrive in various soil types and conditions. Also, it's known for its resistance to pests and diseases. Plant a Paperbark Maple tree and you'll enjoy the peace of mind of having a practical tree that fits smoothly into environments where a towering tree might pose a problem or two.
Paperbark Maple is a striking, thoughtful option that ensures both form and function in your landscape design!
Autumn Brilliance® Serviceberry
Autumn Brilliance® Serviceberry is hands down THE superstar of small ornamental trees! Not only can this tree shimmy under utility lines, it's a looker with edible fruit too!
This tree shows off throughout the seasons, showcasing fragrant spring blossoms, blueberry-like edible fruit in summer, and brilliant fall foliage. In spring, the branches are adorned with small, crisp white flowers. The flowers give way to delicious, tart blueberry-like fruit that both people and wildlife enjoy. Birds tend to eat up the fruit before they have a chance to fall, making this tree less messy.
Medium green leaves transform into a brilliant array of reds, oranges, and yellows in autumn. There is so much to adore about Autumn Brilliance® Serviceberry! If you want to add charm, beauty, and privacy to your space, while safely avoiding those overhead power lines, this is the tree for you!
Amur Flame Maple is truly a hidden treasure. This small, ornamental maple tree is quickly winning over homeowners' hearts. Amur Flame Maple matures to be about 20 feet tall and wide, giving it a uniform, round shape once fully grown, yet staying small enough to fit under those looming power lines.
This useful tree is pretty too! In spring, the branches are topped by small, fragrant clusters of creamy-white flowers. Its striking red-winged seeds provide an extra touch of ornamental beauty. As autumn arrives, prepare to be amazed as its rounded canopy explodes into a stunning display of deep red-orange leaves, bringing life to your landscape once again.
This tree's upright, spreading branches create an elegant silhouette, while the intricate texture of its leaves adds depth to your outdoor spaces. Amur Flame Maple is capable of transforming ordinary yards into breathtaking landscapes.
Beijing Gold® Tree Lilac is a little something different for your landscape. It stands out for its yellow flowers, which set it apart from other lilac trees. This tree grows to be about 20 feet tall and wide, giving it a supple, round shape once fully grown. Yet, it stays short enough that it won't encroach on those overhead wires.
This spectacular lilac tree shows off large plumes of pale sunny yellow flowers in late spring. Its dark green leaves transform into a rich yellowish-orange hue in autumn, complementing its interesting fawn brown bark.
Beijing Gold® Tree Lilac is an outstanding ornamental tree, useful in various planting locations from front yards to backyards, in groupings, along driveways, patios, and, of course, under wires.
Hot Wings® Maple is H-O-T-T-O-G-O🎶 hot-to-go 🔥! This showy maple tree gets its name from its bright red-winged seeds. It's a small tree reaching about 20 feet tall and about 24ish feet wide once fully mature, keeping it nice and small with a round canopy. It's a tough tree, durable enough for tricky site conditions, and for under those overhead power lines.
Hot Wings® Maple's dark green ruffled-edged leaves are complemented by tiny clusters of white flowers in spring. With autumn's arrival, its leaves transform into a palette of sunset yellows and reds.
Plant this tree for the peace of mind of a reliable maple, and the enjoyment of its seasonal beauty!
• Trees for Other Areas with Overhead Wires •
The trees in this section may become more wide-spreading with lower branching. These trees are a solution for areas that have a little more leeway when it comes to space, with no nearby roads or sidewalks to worry about, only those overhead wires to keep in mind.
Snowdance™ Japanese Tree Lilac
Meet Snowdance™ Japanese Tree Lilac, a delightful addition to any landscape! This small tree grows to be about 18 feet tall and wide, making it an easy choice for yards with height restrictions or where overhead utilities are present. With its wide, vase-shaped branching, this tree not only serves as a stunning focal point but also enhances the architectural appeal of your outdoor space throughout all seasons.
One of the exciting features of Snowdance is its annual heavy bloom of creamy white, fragrant flowers. These flowers will attract butterflies and pollinators, adding life and movement to your landscape.
Its lush, dark green leaves provide a beautiful contrast against the delicate flowers, creating a picturesque scene that changes with the seasons. Its tiered branching not only offers a zen appeal but also provides shade for your yard and a serene spot to relax.
Beyond its beauty, Snowdance™ Tree Lilac is a practical choice for planting under overhead power lines. Its compact size ensures it won’t interfere with utility structures. While its minimal seed production means less mess in your yard (not hating it, right?). Plus, being disease-resistant means you'll spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying your serene outdoor retreat.
This tree is a true gem for any landscape! Royal Raindrops® Crabapple brings an enchanting layer of texture and vibrant color to your outdoor spaces. With a compact stature of around 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, it’s perfect for those tight spots where you want to make a bold statement without overwhelming the area.
What truly sets this tree apart is its incredible versatility. Need to enhance your yard's beauty? Looking to create a natural privacy screen? This tree fits the bill seamlessly! Its upright, spreading, branching habit makes it a top candidate for screening while also adding an artistic touch 🎨. Plus, its manageable size means it’s a fantastic choice for planting under utility lines. No more worries about branches interfering with overhead wires!
In spring, get ready to be wowed by the gorgeous reddish-pink blooms that burst open, creating a stunning contrast against the deep purple leaves. As fall approaches, watch the foliage transform into rich shades of red-orange, providing a spectacular autumnal display. The best part? This resilient tree boasts excellent resistance to common crabapple diseases, ensuring it thrives with minimal effort.
Whether you're enhancing your landscape, softening an urban space, or seeking a reliable option underneath utility lines, Royal Raindrops® Crabapple should be on your list of trees to choose from!
Want a maple but don't want the height and spread of a traditional maple tree? Then look no further! Ruby Slippers Amur Maple is the tree for you! This unique cold-hardy maple grows to be 20 feet tall and wide, giving it a full, round shape while still staying small enough to fit under those hovering utility lines.
This beautiful tree brings a distinctive touch of texture and color to the landscape. It can thrive in urban environments and will adapt well to various soil types, making it suitable for challenging locations. In the summer, its canopy lights up with pairs of bright red seeds, resembling a pair of ruby slippers 👠👠. Autumn ushers in a change of color once again as its lush, dense canopy of finely textured green leaves transforms into a blazing array of yellows, reds, and oranges.
This native beauty is a top contender for areas where a striking centerpiece is needed, or an attractive outdoor screen would be useful. If you have an area like this plus overhead utilities, this could be the tree for you!
Pagoda Dogwood has a distinct, horizontally tiered branching pattern, reminiscent of an Asian garden. Whether it is white flowers, bluish fruit that attracts wildlife, or deep red fall colors, this tree provides beauty in every season.
BONUS! It doesn't grow too large, reaching about 20 feet tall and wide at full maturity. Due to its small stature, it will fit in nicely under utilities.
Winter King Hawthorn is a striking three-season accent tree, useful in the landscape in SO many ways, including under utilities! This ornamental tree's branches spread wide, but not too tall.
In spring, dark shiny green leaves are complemented by crisp white flowers. As autumn arrives, its leaves subtly change from glossy dark green into hues of rusty-yellow to deep reddish-purples. Its silvery bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape, and the crisscrossing branching habit adds intrigue & interest. As the seasons change, this tree holds onto shiny red fruit, adding much-needed color to the winter landscape. Its branching is a safe spot for those fun winter birds who visit the tree to snack on the ruby-red fruit. A bird watcher's paradise 🐦! There is certainly a reason why this tree is referred to as the "Winter King."
Do you have an area that could use a little extra something-something 💃, especially under those pesky power lines? Consider this tree your answer! This show-stopping tree will grow to be 22 feet tall and about 20 feet wide, with its canopy becoming broadly oval with age.
In spring, its branches are coated in punchy fuchsia flowers. Dark purplish-green leaves add another layer of interest to this hard-working ornamental tree. Its leaves change to shades of reddish-orange in the fall. The curtain won't fall on this tree in winter; persistent red fruit will take center stage, making this tree an attractive addition to the landscape throughout the seasons.
Show Time is disease-resistant, durable, and won't overpower your yard, making it a fantastic choice for your landscape.
Are you looking for a classic shade tree, and one that won't become too large? Look no further. This native tree only reaches 25 feet tall and about 20 feet wide, which will allow it to squeeze right in under power lines.
American Hornbeam's canopy has a striking oval shape, which becomes apparent as it matures. In spring, this tree's canopy is covered in finely textured green leaves. American Hornbeam, though small, provides shade during the summer months. It's smooth gray trunk stands out against this tree's fiery fall color. Keep in mind, this tree is a slow grower, but it's well worth the wait! This tough, adaptable, American classic is a wise choice for under utility lines or anywhere a small, attractive ornamental shade tree is needed. Enhance your landscape by planting this American beauty!
If you want something real pretty and not so messy, this is your tree. Yes, sir, it's a fruitless crabapple! For this reason, Spring Snow is one of the best ornamental trees for home landscape use!
In spring, this crabapple tree is smothered in white flowers. When the flowers begin to fade and fall, it looks as if it's snowing 🌨️. This tree's canopy is dense enough to provide shade in those hot summer months. As autumn is ushered in, its green leaves turn a smooth buttery yellow. Spring Snow Crabapple's graceful oval canopy gives the impression of formality. This tree only grows to about 25 feet tall and 22 feet wide at full maturity and will safely fit under power lines.
Call it a day and plant this fruitless beauty!
Let's recap →
If you have a space in your yard that needs a tree and worry about overhead utility lines, consider UtiliTrees™! The best trees for these areas are small-statured, disease and pest-resistant, and can thrive in urban conditions. For areas near sidewalks and streets, consider trees like Red Jewel™ Crabapple, which grows about 15 feet tall and boasts beautiful white flowers in spring, and Amur Maackia, known for its upright branching and durability, are excellent choices. These trees not only enhance your landscape but also avoid the hassle of excessive pruning or storm-related damage.
For areas away from sidewalks and roads with overhead power lines, you have a bit more wiggle room. You can consider trees with lower branching and a wider spread if you'd like.
Planting the right tree in the right spot can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
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