KUB is proud of its Vegetation Management Program and the work it does to maintain safe and reliable service, as well as healthy landscaping. Customers can help KUB get this process off to an early start by planting the right tree in the right place.

If a customer plans to plant a tree in their yard, they can help reduce power outages and underground service interruptions for themselves and their neighbors by following these simple steps to smart landscaping: 

Choose The Right Tree

Before making a selection, be sure to determine how tall and wide the tree will be at maturity and how deep the root system will be.

Select a native plant, which will require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to maintain. View a list of native plants and trees.

Choose The Right Spot

Planning out landscaping projects can help prevent service outages in the future.

Remember to look up to make sure trees will be clear of any power lines. Pick a spot based on the mature size of the tree to ensure there will be enough clearance as it grows as well as making sure its root system will not affect underground utilities. If a customer is planting near a high pressure natural gas easement, ensure the tree canopy will not grow over the easement.

KUB has water, wastewater, natural gas, and electric infrastructure buried throughout its system.

To avoid conflicts with utilities, place landscaping:

• At least 25 feet away from high pressure gas main
• At least 15 feet from water and wastewater mains
• At least 10 feet away from pad mounted transformers

Allow room for plants to grow and still meet the clearance requirements at maturity.

KUB crews may need to remove obstructions within this safety zone during maintenance or outage repairs. KUB does not replace any obstructions that have to be removed.

Call Before You Dig

Tennessee law requires homeowners to call 811 at least three business days before you dig to have underground utilities marked for free.

Dig-ins on underground utility lines can be dangerous to you and to crews who must make repairs, and repairs are costly. Damage to the lines can also disrupt service to your entire neighborhood.