Pruning trees

By DENISE LEVINE
UC Master Gardener

I can’t think of anything much sadder than a tree that has been “pruned” after tangling with power lines. On Redwood Road in Napa, not too far off the freeway, you can see sorry specimens that grew too tall and intersected overhead wires.

What happened is an example of how not to prune trees.

Rather than trying to manage trees that are determined to be tall, adopt a “right plant in the right place” approach. With a little research, you can select beautiful trees that won’t present a height problem.

When I returned from the State Master Gardener conference in Asilomar last month, I unpacked my satchel and discovered two PG&E publications about trees suitable to plant under power lines.

The “Guide to Small Trees Near Power Lines for the Bay Area” and the same title for Northern California are both loaded with great information. I learned that PG&E is required by law to prune and sometimes remove trees that grow into or threaten electric lines, even on private property. That’s why it is so important to choose trees that are less than 25 feet tall at maturity.

This publication can guide city dwellers on small parcels who still want to enjoy the beauty of trees, county dwellers with utility lines on their property, or anyone looking for small trees.

At least two days before planting trees on your property, you should call Underground Service Alert (USA) at 811 to have underground power lines and other utilities marked. This service is free. “Before you plant your tree, know what’s below,” says the brochure.

The publication includes an illustrated guide to planting trees as well as sections on trees and fire risk, tree care, and pruning of young trees. It offers a list of over three dozen trees that do well in our area — some with edible fruit, some evergreen, all beautiful, and none that normally grow over 25 feet tall. For each recommended tree, a chart lists the common name, scientific name, type, mature height and soil preference. You can learn whether the tree has an attractive flower and whether it is fire resistant.

The brochure unfolds to make a beautiful wall poster with pictures and information for all of the recommended trees. A color illustration of each tree includes details of fruit, flower and leaf, accompanied by a description of the tree’s unique qualities.

The trees suggested for our area include some native varieties and their descendants.  California buckeye (Aesculus californica), which is native to our area, makes a great choice. Fragrant, cream-colored plumes adorn it in spring, and in winter, its silvery bark makes a dramatic silhouette.

For more color, Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and witch hazel 

(Hamamelis virginiana) are two vibrant choices. Western redbud is more “electric fuschia” than red, but whatever you call it, it is a striking sight in the spring. PG&E does not consider it suitable as a street tree, but it works well as an accent and will not tangle with your power lines.

Witch hazel has bright foliage and yellow and red bloom clusters in the fall. It works well for borders and shady areas and is slow growing and drought resistant once  established.

Pineapple guava (Feijoa sellowiana) is another good choice. Both its flowers and fruit are edible, it is slow growing, and birds and bees love it. Pineapple guavas can also be pruned into a hedge.

 Purple-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Newport’) is another dramatic possibility. Ruby red leaves start the season, becoming reddish-purple and finally turning greenish-bronze before they drift to the ground in the fall. The small blossoms change from white to light pink and are followed by small, edible purple fruit. Under power lines, plant only the small varieties, such as ‘Newport’ or ‘Thundercloud.’

There are more great options for small trees than you might expect. For a free copy of these terrific publications, contact PG&E at RightTreeRight Place@pge.com.

Napa County Master Gardeners ( http://cenapa.ucdavis.edu) answer  questions Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at the UC Cooperative Extension office, 1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 4, Napa, 253-4221, toll-free at 877-279-3065. E-mail questions by following the guidelines on the Web site.

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