Right tree, right place: A better way to plant for safety, shade and community health

Trees are a big part of what makes Oregon feel like home. They offer cooling shade in the summer, shelter for birds and pollinators, and a sense of calm and beauty throughout our neighborhoods.

But planting a tree in the wrong spot, like too close to a power line, can lead to future problems — from safety hazards and outages to costly maintenance and removal. That’s why the concept of “Right tree, right place” is so important.

It’s also one of the guiding principles behind our longtime partner, Friends of Trees, a community organization that’s been helping Oregonians plant trees safely and thoughtfully for more than 30 years.

Planting with intention

The idea is simple: Match the type of tree to the space it will grow into. Consider height, root spread, sun exposure, soil type and nearby structures. A tree might look small today, but in 10 or 20 years it could tower over a sidewalk, tangle with utility lines or block a neighbor’s view.

Choosing the right tree for the right place helps it thrive while reducing the chance of damage, outages or fire risk later on. That means healthier trees, safer neighborhoods and less need for pruning or removal in the future.

A growing partnership

Since 1989, Friends of Trees has worked alongside communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington to plant more than a 1 million trees and native shrubs. The organization’s approach focuses not just on planting trees but doing it the right way — prioritizing long-term health, local ecology and community safety.

PGE has proudly supported Friends of Trees since 1989, including funding, outreach and hundreds of employee volunteer hours. Together, we’ve helped bring smart, community-based planting to city streets, school campuses, parks and backyards across the region.

Whether it’s choosing smaller ornamental trees under utility lines or selecting native species that support pollinators, the goal is the same: safe, resilient and livable communities for everyone.

Why “Right Tree, Right Place” matters

Planting without planning can cause real issues down the road. Large trees growing too close to power lines are one of the top causes of outages, especially during storms. Branches that interfere with electric equipment also increase the risk of wildfires.

At ground level, tree roots can crack sidewalks, invade sewer lines or damage foundations if they don’t have enough space to grow. A little forethought now can prevent costly repairs and help keep your trees healthy for decades.

That’s why we recommend thinking about both what’s overhead and what’s underground before you plant.

Step 1: Look up

If you’re planting near power lines, avoid large or fast-growing species. Instead, choose trees that stay under 25 feet tall at maturity. These trees are less likely to interfere with electric lines, which means fewer outages and less need for pruning.

Our Tree Planting Guide includes a helpful list of recommended trees based on mature height and planting location.

Step 2: Call before you dig

Always call 811 at least two business days before you start digging. This free service will mark underground utility lines so you can avoid hitting electric, water or gas lines.

Even for small backyard projects, calling 811 is an easy way to prevent dangerous and expensive mistakes.

Step 3: Think long term

It’s easy to fall in love with a tree based on its flowers or foliage. But also think about what it will look like 10, 20 or even 50 years from now. Will it block solar panels? Shade a garden? Drop heavy fruit on the sidewalk?

Considering factors like width, root pattern, water needs and seasonal cleanup will help you make a more informed, sustainable choice.

Trees and community

One of the reasons we admire Friends of Trees is because they’ve turned tree planting into a community-building effort. Their events bring neighbors together to dig, plant, learn and connect — all while improving their local environment.

It’s more than just getting trees in the ground. It’s about shared investment in a healthier, more resilient future. Trees planted with care today can provide benefits for generations to come, from cooling neighborhoods in the summer to supporting wildlife year-round.

And when trees are planted in the right places, they can do all that without posing risks to homes, sidewalks or the power grid.

Ready to plant?

If you’re thinking about planting a tree this season, here’s how to get started:

Check out our Tree Planting Guide for tips on safe species and spacing.

Call 811 before you dig to locate underground lines.

Volunteer or learn more at Friends of Trees — events are open to everyone, and they’ll help you choose the right tree for your space.

Trees make our communities stronger, cooler and more beautiful. When you plant with care, you’re planting for the future.