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Tree Program Guidelines
Goal: To improve the looks of joint power line and tree lined streets, reduce future tree trimming costs, coordinate and support tree management with Austin Park and Recreation Department, and be environmentally responsible to our customers.
Tree trimming provides power line clearance to address safety and reliability. Falling trees or branches and trees that grow into power lines are the largest cause of outages in the Austin area.
  • Minimum 5-foot planting strip
  • 3 1/2 feet back from curb
  • 5 feet from any underground utilities
  • 10 to 15 feet from power poles and overhead lines
  • 7 1/2 to 10 feet from driveways
  • 20 feet from streetlights or existing trees
  • 10 feet from the edge of an uncurbed roadway without a sidewalk
  • Only small-scale trees to be planted under utility lines
  • Small-scale trees to be planted 15 to 30 feet apart
  • Plant medium-size trees 30-45 apart
  • Large-scale trees at least 45 feet apart
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