Underwire Trees

    What are they?

    • Trees suitable for use under wires grow to about 25', grow upright (but not columnar), or grow slowly enough that they are easy to keep out of the wires.
    • Set-back planting--placing public trees on private property--is another option that will be discussed in a later Factsheet.

     

    Why does it matter?
    • Choosing the right trees for underwire planting brings

     

    1) greater safety by eliminating the possibility of climbing into the wires

    2) lower maintenance costs from frequent pruning & power outages

    3) more reliability on uninterrupted electric service to customers

    4) fewer potential hazards from repeated wounding & subsequent decay

    5) no misshapen trees from topping, one-sided cuts, or center removal

     

    What are some good species for a northeast US urban environment?
    • Examples of low-maintenance trees for urban use under wires include:

    -- Hedge maple (Acer campestre)

    -- Norwegian Sunset maple (A. truncatum x A. platenoides "Keithsform")

    -- Robin Hill serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora "Robin Hill")

    -- Winter King hawthorn (Crataegus viridis "Winter King")

    -- Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

    -- Amur Maackia (Maackia amurensis)

    -- Professor Sprenger crabapple (Malus "Professor Sprenger")

    -- Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

    -- Ivory Silk tree lilac (Syringa reticulata "Ivory Silk")
    • Check the cultural requirements of these trees before selecting them for your site.

     

    What varieties should be avoided for underwire planting?

     

    • Any medium or large tree that will grow quickly into the wires.
    • Trees that require high maintenance, like many crabapples and cherries.

     

    Where can I buy the recommended species?
    • Some are available at good regional nurseries, but check them against your specifications.
    • Otherwise, order from the catalogue of a reputable tree nursery, best 6 months in advance.

     

    Where can I get more information?
    • Visit the new underwire plantings on the east side of Genesee Street in Geneva (funded by NYSEG), or the north side of Centennial park in Batavia (funded by NIMO).
    • Contact the office of your utility forester for resources and advice.
    • "Recommended Small Urban Trees," a list based on the best available research, available from your local DEC or Extension office, or from us at the Project (716-461-1000).