A Guide to Landscaping for
Pollinators and Wildlife within and
along Electric Transmission Corridors
Recommendations to create beautiful,
usable spaces and habitat for wildlife
and beneficial insects
POSE A Pacific Gas and Electric Company "Right Tree Right Place" Publication PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (PG&E) created this Electric Transmission Landscaping Guide to help you choose the right plants when planting near high voltage electric power lines. Choosing the right plants helps ensure the safe and reliable operation of electric transmission facilities and the delivery of affordable, reliable power to keep your lights on and those at hospitals, schools and businesses.
This illustrated guide suggests an abundant, beautiful array of vegetation suitable for planting and growing near transmission lines. It is not a comprehensive list, but helps begin discussions with your local nursery.
Using this guide when planting can help create a landscape that is unlikely to need utility pruning or vegetation removal in the future.
Wire Zone-Border Zone Vegetation Management In the Wire Zone-Border Zone Management illustration The industry best management practice for vegetation along below, note the various landscaping zones: Outer Zone, transmission corridors used nationwide by all utilities is Border Zone and Wire Zone. Planting guidelines ensure called Wire Zone-Border Zone Management. PG&E uses a trees or vegetation to the sides and below do not come in standardized policy of monitoring and removing incompatible contact with electric lines should they move as a result of vegetation within the wire zone-border zone, including wind or weather, or should a tree fall into the line. potentially hazardous trees that pose threats to public safety The Tower Zone-Quarter Zone-Belly Zone illustration to the and the reliability of the electric system. right below provides guidance for planting to ensure vegetation Low-growing vegetation is not considered a threat to that is planted underneath the wires will not grow too tall. transmission lines, and generally is not removed. Low-growing What To Avoid in Landscaping vegetation is now an encouraged landscape for all property • Planting vines too close to transmission towers and owners with transmission lines on their property. wooden poles Landscaping Near Electric Transmission Lines • Planting trees within transmission towers There are several things to consider when planting near • Planting anything above a maximum height of 10 feet transmission lines, as shown in the two illustrations below. at maturity in the Belly Zone Transmission corridors are threatened by incompatible • Planting incompatible agricultural crops, such as walnut vegetation from both the sides and underneath the wires. and almond orchards Wire Zone/Border Zone Management
Potential Hazard Tree
Vegetation Management below and
to the Sides of Transmission Lines
Lines can
sway in
high winds.
Lines can
sag from
high loads
and hot
weather.
Outer Zone Border Zone Wire Zone Border Zone Outer Zone No Height 15 ft. Maximum Height 10 ft. Maximum Height 15 ft. Maximum Height No Height Restrictions at Maturity at Maturity * at Maturity Restrictions The Wire Zone is the area below transmission lines and within transmission towers where allowable vegetation heights are restricted. This area extends well outside the wires so that wires swaying due to high winds won't contact any vegetation. Plant heights are limited below the wires so that nothing touches wires in the event they sag due to heat or high voltage. See illustration to the right.
The Border Zone area also has tree height restrictions to avoid the possibility of tall trees or shrubs falling or blowing into the transmission lines. The width of the Border Zone may vary according to terrain, wire height and other variables. The Outer Zone is usually not managed at all, but dead or diseased trees pos- ing a hazard to transmission lines will be removed.
* See height variances allowed within the Wire Zone in illustration to the right.
What Agricultural Growers Should Know
Orchard trees, such as walnuts, almonds and pistachios. Helping Beneficial Insects can grow taller than 15 feet and will eventually pose a risk to the safe and reliable operation of the electric transmission The Honey Bee system - and compromise public safety. These trees are Bees across the country are disappearing due to a incompatible with transmission lines, should not be planted, mysterious condition known as and will be subject to removal. Growers should design their Colony Collapse Disorder, orchards so that incompatible orchard trees are not being threatening agriculture and planted within transmission easements or underneath many of our favorite foods. electric lines. For more information visit: www.pge.com/trees The list of crops that simply Work with your local farm adviser to determine suitable won t grow without honey bees agricultural crops for your area. Suggestions include cotton, is a long one: apples, cucumbers, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and grape vines. pumpkins, carrots, avocados, almonds ... and it goes on. You can help keep these important pollinators
Successful Planting Tips
healthy by attracting them to your garden.
• Work with your local nursery to identify other suitable plantings for the various zone areas. For more information visit:
• Consult a Utility Arborist for a free courtesy visit to verify www.nrdc.org/wildlife/animals/beegardens.asp voltage and ensure proper selection and placement of The Monarch Butterfly new plantings. The 2000-mile journey
• Call 811 at least two working days of the Monarch Butterfly before digging. This free service will is unique and a treasure mark and locate where underground whose fragility is evident in the utilities are buried, so that they may be diminishing numbers of Monarchs.
Call 811 safely avoided. In the Pacific Northwest, Monarchs spend their summers breeding and laying eggs in milkweed
Planting To Benefit The Environment stands before making their migration to coastal Many property owners use the opportunity provided by the California or Mexico. newly modified transmission corridor to plant gardens, By creating Monarch habitat that includes milkweed flowers, grasses and shrubs to benefit nature and wildlife. and other native plant species, landowners can provide It's a great opportunity to plant for needed critical habitat for Monarchs with the resources to fuel their journey.
Monarch Butterflies or Honey Bees. For more information visit www.pollinator.org Tower Zone-Quarter Zone-Belly Zone
Vegetation Management Underneath the Wires -
Maximum Mature Vegetation Heights Allowed Within Each Zone 23 ft. No trees
Maximum Potential inside
Height Line Sag
tower
15 ft.
Maximum Height
10 ft. Maximum Height
Tower Zone Quarter Zone Belly Zone Quarter Zone Tower Zone Tree heights up to Tree and shrub Shrub heights Tree and shrub Tree heights up to 23 ft. around heights up to 10 ft. heights 23 ft. around (not inside) tower up to 15 ft. at Maturity up to 15 ft. (not inside) tower at Maturity at Maturity at Maturity at Maturity
Landscaping within and along Electric Transmission Corridors Border Zone Wire Zone
Small trees not to exceed Small plants and shrubs only, 15 feet in height not to exceed 10 feet in height
Transmission corridors provide unusual
opportunities for landscaping that can be
both beneficial and attractive. The chart on
pages 6 and 7, along with the descriptions
of recommended plants inside this guide
can assist in this new use of open space.
With careful planning, corridors can be
managed for wildlife enhancement, hiking
trails, increased native planting and other
compatible uses. For instance, as noted
elsewhere in this guide, many of the
10 feet recommended plants provide food and
clearance habitat for Monarch butterflies and other
from tower beneficial insects and birds.
to shrubs
This type of landscaping needn't be cost
prohibitive, because many of the plants
recommended in this guide can be grown
from seed. The best source to determine
which plants can be grown from seed in
your area is your local nursery. You can
also find information about seeding at:
http://plantfinder.sunset.com/plant-home.jsp
Creating a compatible landscape near
transmission corridors will keep your
lights on and your community safe while
still providing beauty and benefits to the
environment.
Tower Zone
Tree heights up to 20 feet
allowed around
(not inside tower.
All vegetation should be
10 feet from
tower footprint.
Border Zone Outer Zone
Small trees not to exceed No tree height
15 feet in height restrictions
Recommended Plants for
Electric Transmission Corridors
THE WIDE VARIETY OF PLANTS ILLUSTRATED and described on the following pages work well when planted under or near electric transmission lines virtually throughout the Pacific Gas & Electric service area. These plants were selected because of drought tolerance, low maintenance, and in most cases, benefits for wildlife and beneficial insects. Each description includes information about height, preferred growing zones and notes about whether the plant attracts birds and beneficial insects. For a quick overview of these recommended plants, refer to the table on the following pages 6-7.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow has many varieties,
with bloom colors ranging from
white to purple. The white variety
illustrated here has no branches Blue grama grass
except near the top. This plant Bouteloua gracilis
has a lacy, delicate appearance
Also known as Signal-
but once established is very
arm or Mosquito grass,
drought tolerant. Height 1-2 feet.
Blue grama grass is native
Sunset Zones: 1-24;
to open prairies, thus drought
USDA Zones: 3a-9b.
and heat tolerant. Can be planted to create a meadow or California native
form an attractive border. Blooms are unusually flattened and Fragrant leaves and flowers
bent. In fall, it shows a rusty rose color that fades to almost Attracts birds & beneficial insects
white in winter. Height 1-2 feet.
Sunset Zones: 1-3, 7-11, 14, 18-21; USDA Zones 5-9.
California native
Manzanita, 'Vine Hill'
Arctostaphylos densiflora California lilac, 'Julia Phelps' Manzanitas are characterized by thin, crooked branches with Ceanothus local species and 'Julia Phelps' smooth, reddish-black bark. Small, urn-shaped white or pink The Julia Phelps hybrid is one of many varieties of lilac flowers, usually blooming in late winter to early spring, fol- found in California. It has small, dark green leaves and lowed by berry-like red or brown fruits that attract birds. dark indigo flowers that grow in spike-like clusters. It can Height 4-6 feet. be left to grow as a bush or trained as a small tree.
Sunset Zones: 7-9, 14-21; USDA Zones: 7-9. Height 8-10 feet.
California native Sunset Zones: 5-9, 14-24; USDA Zones: 8-10.
Attracts birds & beneficial insects California native
4 California fuchsia
Epilobium canum,
select forms Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens
When not flowering, this plant appears to be a tangle of Also known as meadow muhly or deer muhly. narrow, gray-green woolly leaves and stems. But near It resembles a small pampas grass, with narrow, summer's end, flower buds appear and the intense scarlet, two-foot plumes rising above light green blades. trumpet-shaped flowers often last until cold weather. A very tough plant, capable of surviving in harsh It spreads rapidly underground. Height 1-3 feet. conditions. Height 3-5 feet.
Sunset Zones: 2-11, 14-24; USDA Zones: 8-9. Sunset Zones: 4-24; USDA Zones: 8-10.
California native California native
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Saint Catherine's lace
Eriogonum giganteum,
Eriogonum fasiculatum and others
Chaparral currant
A California native that produces large, showy clusters of Ribes malvaceum
Lacy white flowers throughout the summer. Grows quickly This California native is a
into a large, rounded shrub with woolly, light-gray foliage. favorite of local bees. Its pink blooms occur in late winter Height 3-6 feet.
or spring and last at least several weeks. Height 4-6 feet.
Sunset Zones: 5, 7-9, 14-24; USDA Zones: 9a-11.
Sunset Zones 6-9, 14-24; USDA Zones: 5a-8a.
California native
California native
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Has edible parts
5 Table of Recommended Plants for
Electric Transmission Corridors
COMMON NAME PAGE PLANT SCIENTIFIC NAME CLIMATE ZONES HEIGHT WIDTH FLOWER COLOR California Native Plants SUNSET USDA
Yarrow Achillea millefolium 1-24 За-9b 1-2 ft. 3 ft. White, Pink Manzanita, Vine Hill Arctostaphylos densiflora & local species 7-9, 14-21 7-9 4-6 ft. 5-8 ft. White, Pink Blue grama grass 4 Bouteloua gracilis 1-3, 7-11, 14, 18-21 5-9 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. Tan California lilac, 'Julia Phelps' Ceanothus local species and Julia Phelps' 5-9, 14-24 8-10 4-7 ft. 6-8 ft. Dark Indigo California fuchsia Epilobium canum, select forms 2-11, 14-24 8-9 1-3 ft. 2-4 ft. Red, Pink Saint Catherine's lace Eriogonum giganteum, E. fasiculatum, others 5, 7-9, 14-24 9a-11 3-6 ft 3-6 ft. White, Tan Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens 4-24 8-10 3-5 ft. 4-6 ft. Tan Chaparral currant Ribes malvaceum 6-9, 14-24 5a-8a 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. White, Pink Hummingbird sage Salvia spathacea 7-9, 14-24 7-10 2-3 ft. 3-6 ft. Red, Pink California goldenrod Solidago californica 1-11, 14-23 5-10 1-5 ft 1-2 ft. Yellow California poppy 11 Escholzia californica 1-24 6a-10b 6-8 in. 6-9 in. Orange to Yellow Fragrant Leaves and Flower
Yarrow 4 Achillea millefolium 1-24 За-9b 1-2 ft. 3 ft. White, Pink Razzleberry, Chinese fringe flower 8 Loropetalum chinense 'Razzleberry' 6-9, 14-24 8-9 6-10 ft 6-10 ft. Pink to Purple Hybrid catmint 8 Nepeta x faassennii 1-24 3а-8b 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. Lavender, Blue Cut leaf lilac Syringa x laciniata 3-12, 14-16, 18-22 4-8 5-8 ft. 4-8 ft. Violet, Purple, Lavender Dwarf oregano Origanum Betty Rollins' 1-24 8-10 1-3 ft 1-3 ft. Pink Rosemary, 'Ed Carman's' Rosmarinus officinalis 'Mozart' 4-24, H1, H2 7-10 1-6 ft 3-6 ft. Blue Purple spot mock orange Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile' 2b-17 5-8 5-8 ft. 3-6 ft. White, Lavender Rose, 'Gruss an Aachen floribunda' Rosa "Gruss an Aachen' All Zones 4-11 4-5 ft. 4-6 ft. Pink, White Daylilly Hemerocallis hybrids 4-24; H1, H2 4-0 2-4 ft 2-3 ft Multi-colored Rose, Iceberg Rosa Iceberg' All Zones 5-9 3-5 ft. 3-6 ft. White Rose, 'Golden pearl' polyantha Rosa 'Perle d'Or' All Zones 4-11 3-8 ft. 5-12 ft. Pink, Orange Cleveland sage Salvia clevelandi 8, 9, 12-24 9a-10b 1-3 ft 1-3 ft. Violet, Blue Attract Birds, Bees and Butterflies
Yarrow Achillea millefolium 1 to 24 3а-9b 1-2 ft. 3 ft. White, Pink Manzanita, Vine Hill Arctostaphylos densiflora & local species 7-9, 14-21 7-9 4-6 ft. 5-8 ft. White, Pink Day lilly Hemerocallis hybrids 4-24; H1, H2 4-0 2-4 ft 2-3 ft Multi-colored Michaelmas daisy, 'Purple dome' Aster 'Purple Dome' 1-24 3а-9b 1-5 ft 2-5 ft. Violet Texas Ranger (sage) Leucophyllum frutescens 7-24, H1, H2 6b-8b 6-8 ft. 16-8 ft. Magenta, Purple California fuchsia Epilobium canum, select forms 2-11, 14-24 8-9 1-3 ft. 2-4 ft. Red, Pink California poppy Escholzia californica 1-24 6a-10b 6-8 in. 6-9 in. Orange to Yellow Poker plant, 'Christmas cheer' Kniphofia "Christmas Cheer' 2-9, 14-24 5b-10b 4-5 ft 6-12 ft. Gold, Orange Spanish lavender, 'Otto Quast' 12 Lavandula stochas 'Otto Quast' 4-24 8-9 2 ft. 3-4 ft. Purple Loropetalum chinense 'Razzleberry' 6-9, 14-24 8-9 6-10 ft 6-10 ft. Pink to Purple 8 1-24 3a-8b 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. Lavender, Blue
1-24 8-10 1-3 ft 1-3 ft. Pink
6-9, 14-24 5a-8a 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. Pink
12 All Zones 7-9 5-9 ft. 5-12 ft. Multi-colored
4-24, H1, H2 7-10 1-6 ft 3-6 ft. Blue
Cleany sag Carmans
8, 9, 12-24 9a-10b 1-3 ft 1-3 ft. Violet. Blue
12 7-24 7-10 3-4 ft. 4-6 ft. Red, Violet, Pink
Hummingbird sage 7-9, 14-24 7-10 2-3 ft. 3-6 ft. Red, Pink Hybrid soapwort 1-11, 14-24 4a-8b 6-12 in. 1-2 ft. Pink 3-12, 14-16, 18-22 4-8 5-8 ft. 4-8 ft. Violet, Purple, Lavender Teucrium chamaedrys Nanum' 2-24 4-9 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. Purple, Pink 13 Teucrium fruticans 4-24 8-9 3-4 ft. 4-6 ft. Blue
Solidago californica 1-11, 14-23 5-10 1-5 ft 1-2 ft. Yellow Ribes aureum A2, A3, 1-12, 14-23 7-10 5-7 ft. 4-6 ft. Yellow, Orange aparral curra Ribes malvaceum 6-9, 14-24 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. Pink at crea Origanum 'Betty Rollins' 1-24 8-10 1-3 ft 1-3 ft. Pink Rosmarinus officinalis Mozarti 4-24, H1, H2 7-10 1-6 ft 3-6 ft. Blue Beeray a rod Plants
13 Asclepias speciosa, A. fascicularis, A. eriocarpa 1-24 3a-9b 2-4 ft. 1-2 ft. Purplish pink, white 6 FOLIAGE COLOR ORNAMENTAL CHARACTER COMMENTS
Light Green Fragrance, Flowers Many colorful varieties; lacy appearance. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies. Attracts birds.
Green Bark, Flowers Colorful blooms; berry-like fruit. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Deer resistant.
Light Green, Yellow Green Fall color, Flowers Drought and heat tolerant. Native to open prairies. Attracts beneficial insects.
Dark Green Flowers Fal conce Small, dark green leaves; large dark indigo flowers. Attracts beneficial insects.
Light Green, Gray Intense scarlet flowers into winter. Attracts hummingbirds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Gray Green, Silver Fruit, Flowers, Bark Large showy, lacy white flowers. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies.
Green Container plant, Flowers
Green Flowers, Fragrance Pink blooms. A favorite of bees, other beneficial insects. Attracts hummingbirds.
Green, Light Green Flowers, Fragrance Aromatic leaves with magenta flower spikes. Attracts hummingbirds.
Light Green Spectacular yellow flowers. Attracts beneficial insects, including butterflies.
Blue-green Orange-to-yellow flowers, feathery, blue-green leaves. Attracts beneficial insects and birds.
Light Green Fragrance, Flowers Many colorful varieties; lacy appearance. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies. Attracts birds Green and Purple Flowers, Foliage color Colorful flowers ranging from white to shades of red. Attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Gray Green Misty clouds of tiny flowers. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies.
Green, Dark Green Flowers, Fragrance Fragrant, pale lilac flower clusters. Attracts beneficial insects.
Dark Green Fragrance, Flowers -eaves used as popular spice. Attracts butterflies. Attracts beneficial insect Dark Green, Gray Green Fragrance, Flowers Dark blue flowers. Rich in cooking oil. Attracts beneficial insects Dark Green Fragrance Fragrant, white to cream-colored blossoms. Attracts beneficial insects.
Dark Green Flowers, Container plant, Fragrance Pink or white clustered flowers. Attracts birds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Green Flowers A persistent and trouble-free plant that comes in a wide array of colors. Attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Green Container plant, Fragrance, Flowers Clusters of brilliant white flowers. Attracts birds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Green, Light Green, Red Flowers, Container plant, Fragrance Small blooms in open clusters. Attracts birds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Light Green, Gray Green Fragrance, Flowers Used for cooking, teas. Attracts hummingbirds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Light Green Fragrance, Flowers Many colorful varieties; lacy appearance. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies. Attracts birds.
Green Bark, Flowers Colorful blooms; berry-like fruit. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Deer resistant.
Green Flowers A persistent and trouble-free plant that comes in a wide array of colors. Attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Dark Green Flowers, Container plant, Fall color Purple blooms, yellow centers. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies.
Flowers, Foliage color Colorful plant with contrasting purple and silver when in bloom. Attracts beneficial insects.
Light Green, Gray Flowers, Fall color Intense scarlet flowers into winter. Attracts hummingbirds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Blue-green Orange-to-yellow flowers, feathery, blue-green leaves. Attracts beneficial insects and birds Green Bright orange buds, golden flowers. Attracts birds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Gray, Green Flowers, Fragrance
Green and Purple Flowers, Foliage color olorful flowers ranging from white to shades of red. Attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects Gray Green Flowers Misty clouds of tiny flowers. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies Dark Green Fragrance, Flowers
Green
Dark Green Flowers, Fragrance
Dark Green, Gray Green Fragrance, Flowers
Light Green, Gray Green Fragrance, Flowers
Dark Green
Green, Light Green Flowers, Fragrance Aromatic leaves with magenta flower spikes. Attracts hummingbirds.
Green Extremely drought tolerant. Attracts beneficial insects. Attracts birds Green, Dark Green Flowers, Fragrance Fragrant, pale lilac flower clusters. Attracts beneficial insects.
Dark Green Flowers, Container plant Low growing, dark pink flowers. Attracts beneficial insects. Attracts birds.
Gray Flowers, Container plant Lavender-blue flower spikes. Attracts beneficial insects. Attracts birds.
Light Green Spectacular yellow flowers. Attracts beneficial insects, including butterflies.
Light Green, Green Flowers Yellow flowers, turning orange with age. Attracts hummingbirds. Attracts beneficial insects.
Green Flowers, Fragrance Pink blooms. A favorite of bees, other beneficial insects. Attracts hummingbirds.
Dark Green Fragrance, Flowers Leaves used as popular spice. Attracts butterflies. Attracts beneficial insects.
Dark Green, gray green Fragrance, Flowers Dark blue flowers. Rich in cooking oil. Attracts beneficial insects.
Gray, Green Flowers All zones Balls of small, star-like flowers. Attracts butterflies and provides food for their larvae. 7 Razzleberry,
Chinese fringe flower
Loropetalum chinense
Hummingbird sage "Razzleberry'
Salvia spathacea This colorful evergreen is a
This coastal native spreads by rhizomes member of the witch hazel family. and bears upright stems with several pairs It blooms in spring, and depending on of broad, quilted, light green, aromatic leaves. the variety, its flowers can range from white to various Its flower spikes rise above the leaves and bear shades of red. Each bloom has four-inch-long petals that large, tubular, magenta-colored flowers. As its droop downward. Height: 6-10 feet. name implies, it is a favorite of hummingbirds. Sunset Zones: 6-9, 14-24; USDA Zones: 8, 9 Height 2-3 feet. Sunset Zones: 7-9, 14-24; Attracts birds & beneficial insects USDA Zones: 7-10.
California native
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Hybrid catmint Nepeta x faasennii
Also known as catnip, this plant has
attractive, aromatic foliage and misty clouds
of tiny flowers. The individual grayish-green leaves are California goldenrod small, soft, and heart-shaped. They're set on long, slack Solidago californica stems topped with spikes of lavender-purple to blue Known for its spectacular tubular flowers. Height 1-2 feet. Sunset Zones: 1 to 24; yellow flowers. It has fuzzy-gray leaves USDA Zones: 3a-8b. and stems, with wand-like stalks topped Fragrant leaves/flowers by clusters of small, yellow flowers. Attracts birds & beneficial insects Height 1-5 feet.
Sunset Zones: 1-11,14-23;
USDA Zones: 5-10.
California native
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
8 Cut leaf lilac Syringa x laciniata
This hybrid is often described as graceful
because of its airy, finely textured foliage. It produces fragrant, pale lilac flower clusters up to 4 inches long in late spring. Height 4-8 feet.
Sunset Zones: 3-12, 14-16, 18-22; USDA Zones: 4-8
Fragrant leaves/flowers
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Mock orange, Purple spot
Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'
A very fragrant plant, with white to
cream-colored blossoms that have purple
or maroon centers. Grows in most conditions
to a fountain-like shape. Height 5-8 feet.
Sunset Zones: 2b-17; USDA Zones: 5-8
Dwarf oregano Origanum 'Betty Rollins' Fragrant leaves/flowers This fragrant plant is a favorite on the hummingbird
circuit during the winter. It thrives in low-or medium-water situations, and has a distinctive fountain-like shape. White flowers adorn semi-leafless stems during winter and early spring. Height 1-3 feet. Sunset Zones: 1-24; USDA Zones: 8-10 Edible parts
Fragrant leaves/flowers
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Floribunda rose,
'Gruss an Aachen'
Rosa 'Gruss an Aachen'
Rosemary, 'Ed Carman'
This hybrid rose was originally bred to withstand harsh Rosmarinus officinalis 'Mozart'
winters. Produces pink or white flowers that occur in
Looks good and tastes great! This variety of clusters rather than as a single flower per stem. rosemary has the darkest blue flowers of any Height 4-5 feet. Sunset Zones: ALl; USDA Zones: 4-11 rosemary, and is rich in cooking oil. Blooms in
Fragrant leaves/flowers
spring and summer, then again in fall, making it very
attractive to bees. Height 1-6 feet.
Sunset Zones: 4-24; H1, H2. USDA Zones: 7-10.
Fragrant leaves/flowers
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Has edible parts
Day Liliy Rose, Polyantha
Hemerocallis hybrids 'Golden pearl"
Day lillies are among the most persistent and trouble-free Rosa Perle d'Or' plants. They flourish in almost any soil type. Flowers Also known as Yellow Cecile Brunner, appear at the ends of leaf-free stems, in a wide variety of it has small blooms in open clusters. This variety has apricot colors ranging from white to yellow to orange to red. or light pink undertones that age to white. Height 3-8 feet.
Height: 2-4 feet. Sunset Zones: All; USDA Zones: 4-11.
Sunset Zones: 4-24; H1-H2. USDA Zones: 4-10 Fragrant leaves/flowers Fragrant leaves/flowers
Has edible parts
Iceberg rose
Rosa Iceberg' Cleveland sage Salvia clevelandii
This plant features clusters of A member of the mint family, this brilliant white flowers, thus the name plant's fragrant leaves are sometimes 'iceberg. It also comes in a climbing used as a substitute for garden sage in variety that reaches greater heights, but it cooking or to make a refreshing tea. Attracts must be attached to a fence or trellis to hummingbirds, and bees and other beneficial insects. achieve full growth. Height 3-5 feet. Blue-to-violet blooms. Height 1-6 feet.
Sunset Zones: All; USDA Zones: 5-9. Sunset Zones: 8,9, 12-24; USDA Zones: 9a- 10b.
Fragrant leaves/flowers Fragrant leaves/flowers
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
10 California poppy
Escholzia californica Texas Ranger
Leucophyllum frutescens
The state flower of California is easy to grow and drought Also called cenizo. Vivid purple flowers tolerant. Popular in wildflower mixes. Four-petaled, orange- sharply contrast with silvery foliage. Does to-yellow flowers are open only on sunny days. Feathery, well in hot, dry conditions. It can be pruned into a hedge, form- blue-green leaves.Height: 6-8 inches. ing an attractive border. Height: 6-8 feet.
Sunset Zones: 1-24, USDA Zones: 6a-10b Sunset Zones: 7-24, H1, H2; USDA Zones: 6b-8b California native Fragrant leaves/flowers
Attracts birds & beneficial insects Attracts birds & beneficial insects Purple dome
Michaelmas daisy
Aster, "Purple Dome
A quickly spreading plant
that adapts to most soils.
Its abundant, deep purple
blooms with yellow centers can cover the Poker plant, 'Christmas cheer' entire plant. Height 1-5 feet. Kniphofia Christmas Cheer' Sunset Zones: 1 to 24; USDA Zones: 3a-9b.
This hybrid gets its name 'Christmas Cheer' because
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
unlike relatives, its blooms begin in late fall and early win- ter. Bright orange buds grow into brilliant golden flowers.
With blooms on the ends of long stems, it
resembles a hot poker. Height 4-5 feet.
Sunset Zones: 2-9, 14-24; USDA Zones: 5b-10b.
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
11 Mint bush sage
Spanish lavender, 'Otto Quast'
Lavandula stochas 'Otto Quast' Salvia microphylla
From more than a few
Famous for fragrant lavender or purple flowers, often set feet away, this plant looks like
off by aromatic gray, gray-green or yellowish green foliage. peppermint candy growing on a green
Blossom spikes are used for perfume, aromatic oil, soap, stalk. Its white and red blooms attract
medicine and sachets. Height 2 feet.
bees. Height 3-4 feet.
Sunset Zones: 4-24; USDA Zones: 8-9.
Sunset Zones: 7-24;
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
USDA Zones: 7-10.
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Hybrid soapwort
Saponaria x lempergi
'Max Frei"
This low-maintenance,
drought-tolerant plant
Butterfly rose has pretty, pink to purplish
Rosa x odoratus 'Mutabilis' flowers that bloom through
Similar to several other rose plants, summer into autumn. and also known as tea rose. The 'butterfly' in one of its com- It's dependable even in the mon names comes from its multi-colored, fluttery petals hottest weather, and works well with roses and taller that an early observer mistook for butterflies. Height 7-9 plants. Height 1-2 feet. feet. Sunset Zones: All; USDA Zones: 7-9. Sunset Zones: 1-11,14-24; USDA Zones: 4a-4b.
Attracts birds & beneficial insects Attracts birds & beneficial insects 12 Golden currant
Ribes aureum
This shrub has light-green,
three-lobed leaves and
Dwarf germander spicy-scented
Teucrium chamaedrys Nanum' yellow flowers,
This low-growing ground cover has turning orange with
dark pink flowers in early summer. age, on long, wand-like One of the few ground covers that does stems. Berries are either well in either full sun or part shade. Be aware that a yellow, red or black when ripe. Height 5-7 feet. much smaller plant with delicate white blooms is also Sunset Zones: A2, A3, 1-12, 14-23; known as a dwarf germander. Height 1-2 feet. USDA Zones: 7-10.
Sunset Zones 2-24; USDA Zones 4-9. Has edible parts
Attracts birds & beneficial insects
Bush germander
Teucrium fruticans
This silvery gray plant blooms Showy Milkweed
virtually year-round, with laven- Asclepias speciosa
der-blue flower spikes at branch A striking plant, with balls of small, ends. Height 4-6 feet. star-like flowers in shades of purplish-pink and white, Sunset Zones: 4-24; nestled in thick, hairy gray leaves growing from sturdy USDA Zones: 8-9. green stems. Height 2-4 feet.
Attracts birds & beneficial insects Sunset Zones: 1-24; USDA Zones: 3a-9b Butterfly larval food plant
Attracts beneficial insects
13 What types of utility lines are near you?
Planting restrictions for trees and other vegetation
vary widely for different types of utility lines -
electric transmission lines, electric distribution
lines and gas pipelines. If you need help verifying
which type of utility line is near you, call our
Customer Care Center at 1-800-743-5000
to schedule an appointment with one of
our tree-care professionals.
To request Gas Pipeline planting
Gas Pipeline
Marker information call 1-800-743-5000.
What We Do to Keep Your Lights on and Your Community Safe Pacific Gas and Electric Company's vast electric system crosses some of the most diverse terrain in the United States, delivering electricity to approximately 15 million people in northern and central California. The PG&E service area includes:
• 5.1 million electric customer accounts
• 4.2 million natural gas customer accounts
• 70,000 square miles
• 113,000 miles of distribution lines
• 18,500 miles of electric transmission lines
• 2.5 million wood poles and steel towers
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Is Here to Help You with Your Trees and Landscaping Needs We are one of the largest employers of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists in the nation. Our vegetation management staff includes Registered Professional Foresters and Utility Arborists and an augmented staff of 1,200 specially trained tree-care professionals contracted from other tree companies that inspect and prune trees. Many of these contractors are also ISA Certified Arborists.
To schedule an appointment with one of our tree-care professionals or for questions about landscaping near electric utility facilities, please contact our Customer Call Center at 1-800-743-5000.
National Recognition and Professionalism
Right-of-Way
Steward Utility Founder
PG&E's transmission vegetation management program is officially accredited as a Right-of-Way Steward for demonstration of sustainable integrated vegetation management. In 2014, PG&E achieved accreditation and was recognized in 2015, with the Right-of-Way Steward Founder's Award for leadership in receiving one of the first of five Right-of-Way Stewardship Council accreditations globally.
PG&E is also recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This prestigious award is presented to utilities across the nation for utilizing arboriculture practices to protect and enhance America's urban forests. And we continue to be a leader in the tree industry Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. © 2014 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. through involvement with a variety of organizations such as: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA, Utility Arborist Association, Society of Municipal Arborists, California Fire Safety Council, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).
References and Resources
• Reliable Plants for California Landscapes: www.ccuh.ucdavis.edu • Pollinating Plants: www.pollinator.org
• California Tree Selections: www.selectree.calpoly.edu • Tree Line USA: www.arborday.org
• Utility Vegetation Management: www.ferc.gov
• Bramble and Byrnes Research, Game Lands 33: www.dowagro.com/vm/environmental/game_lands_33.htm • California Center for Urban Horticulture, UC Davis
• Illustration: Robert O'Brien
Other Publications
and
To request a free copy of a Guide to Small Trees Near Distribution Lines (available for Bay Area and Inland, Northern California and Central California), the Powerwise Tree Planning Guide Gas
CALIFORNIA
or another copy of this guide, email a request to [email protected] or call cific PG&E Service Area 1-800-743-5000. Please indicate which guide, how many copies are needed and include a Revision 4/15