SAN DIEGO, April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, many Americans will take action to improve their communities by planting a tree in support of the Arbor Day Foundation's National Arbor Day.  As the tree celebrations begin, SDG&E is reminding customers and landscapers to plant the "Right Tree in the Right Place" and to practice safe digging by calling 8-1-1, a free service to identify area utility lines, before planting. 

"Healthy trees help clean the air we breathe, prevent erosion and conserve watersheds," said John Jenkins, Vice President of Electric Engineering and Construction. "We want to make sure our customers stay safe as they get to work planting a tree. First, choose a spot where there are no power lines or utility boxes nearby. Second, call 8-1-1 to make sure you're not going to accidentally damage any utility lines in the ground below – water, electric, gas, or cable."

Trees play an integral part in creating a cleaner, greener and healthier future. SDG&E has built an award-winning vegetation management team, earning the Arbor Day Foundation's distinction as a Tree Line USA® Utility for the last 15 years. This team takes great care to trim the trees within SDG&E's service community to help reduce the risk of tree-related power outages, fire and other impacts to the energy grid.  

Customers can help by being mindful of energy infrastructure before planting a tree. SDG&E asks that all customers consider the future growth of the tree in mind when identifying a safe planting spot.

• As trees grow, their branches and roots spread out so avoid planting them too close to overhead power lines or over underground electric lines, natural gas pipes or cables.
• Take the time to properly select a tree that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is safe to plant in your area.
• Don't plant shrubs directly in front of SDG&E equipment and maintain the grade (or slope) of the soil so water drains away from equipment.

Call 8-1-1      

Underground Service Alert can be reached for free by dialing 8-1-1, two days before the start of digging. By calling 8-1-1 contractors and customers will receive visual markings for all electric lines, natural gas pipes and cables in the area to help avoid damaging any infrastructure while digging. If at any time there is concern of a gas emergency, immediately evacuate the area where the leak is suspected and from a safe location call SDG&E at (800) 411-7343. For more safety information, visit sdge.com/safety.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides safe, reliable, clean energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. More than 4,000 employees work to provide the most reliable and clean energy in the West. The company has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in addressing climate change, was the first to meet California's goal of delivering 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, has fueled the adoption of electric vehicles and energy efficiency through unique customer programs, and supports a number of non-profit partners. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.  

SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)