Grow Smart
Trees and shrubs are an important part of the landscape. But trees, shrubs and high-voltage electric lines can be an unsafe combination. High-voltage electric lines can sway or sag, and tall or nearby vegetation can compromise the safety and reliability of the electric grid. ATC’s Grow Smart program helps property owners and communities identify low-growing, beautiful, native vegetation that can be planted under or near high-voltage electric line rights-of-way.
Planting for pollinators
Low-growing perennials and grasses can grow and thrive within the rights-of-way. ATC‘s pollinator planting focuses on identifying and developing portions of our rights-of-way for pollinators following vegetation management or construction. ATC works with our environmental contractors to plant seed mixes that generate vegetation compatible within the rights-of-way that are beneficial to pollinators.
We developed a guide to identify vegetation that is similar to what we plant in our rights-of-ways. These suggested plants have deep root systems that will beautify your property and help attract bees, butterflies and birds. In addition, sustainable rights-of-way with compatible plant communities like the ones we suggest can also help limit ATC’s long-term vegetation management program, which is needed to help keep the electric grid safe and reliable.
View or print the Grow Smart Planting Guide or Pollinator Planting Guide and bring it to your local garden center.
To learn about conserving energy for your home by planting the right tree in the right place, please visit the climate change section on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website.
