Which species of tree should not be planted under utility wires?

Tall-growing species should not be planted under utility wires due to their potential to reach significant heights that can interfere with overhead lines. When trees grow too tall, they can create safety hazards by becoming a risk for power outages and electrical fires if branches come into contact with the wires. Additionally, utilities often have specific pruning and maintenance guidelines to keep the lines clear, which can lead to unappealing and unhealthy tree structures if tall species are chosen for planting in those areas.

Small shrub-like species, on the other hand, typically maintain a lower height, making them less likely to interfere with utility wires. Species with wide canopies could also pose a problem if planted under wires, but their primary concern is not height, so they can be managed differently. Stating that all tree species should not be planted under utility wires overlooks the fact that many smaller species can thrive in such conditions without causing problems. Thus, the best practice is to avoid tall-growing species specifically, as they pose the greatest risk in these situations.