Planting a tree near underground internet conduit / cable - Ask Extension
We plan to plant a new Autumn Blaze Maple in our backyard this Fall. There is a buried internet cable and conduit (buried at a shallow depth) running ...
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Planting a tree near underground internet conduit / cable #851168
Asked September 25, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT
We plan to plant a new Autumn Blaze Maple in our backyard this Fall. There is a buried internet cable and conduit (buried at a shallow depth) running between our garage and house. We have the conduit location marked and we plan to avoid it, but we are wondering how far away we should plant the tree, i.e. how close can we plant to the conduit? Seeking your advice.
Thank you!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Eric,
Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.
You might want to consider if you will ever need to dig up the line or replace it? You can plant the three at least 2-3 feet away from the line. The tree roots will grow around the line underground. Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website:
This information discusses how far the tree roots spread.
Here is a link to proper planting trees and shrubs: https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs
Good Luck!
