Before the winter sets in with its heavy snow, high winds and occasional ice storms, we must make a aerial survey of our trees to see if any could cause a problem.

The first question to ask yourself is, do I have trees growing under or near power lines?  Although trees provide shade and beauty, if too close to those lines they can cause fires, power outages, and even personal injury.  The wires of the power drop to our homes are covered with insulation.  The uppermost lines are high voltage and are usually not insulated. Direct contact with them is very hazardous to your health.

In our state, trees that interfere with power lines are the second largest cause of power outages. Short circuits are caused by branches rubbing against the wires and trees falling or branches breaking during storms can cut or disconnect lines. In addition to safety problems, millions of dollars are spent each year to control vegetation near lines. Unfortunately, those dollars come out of our pockets in rate increases.

To prevent any of these problems in the future, carefully evaluate the location that you want to plant your tree in relation to the position of the power lines.  High voltage lines are mostly 30 to 35 feet above the ground.  The utility company prefers that you plant your trees a minimum 10 feet or more away from the high power lines; however, if you must plant a tree in that particular location try to select a tree that is less than 25 at maturity.

There are quite a few trees that will stay small. Species that are very large at maturity should be avoided. Some trees that will remain fairly short include flowering crab-apple, crape brown flowers from May through June. Ideal soil condition is moist to wet.

Variegated Broad-leaf Sedge, C. siderostica variegata, is deciduous. It has broad, medium to dark green leaves that have creamy margins and white streaked centers. The new growth emerges a showy pink. The plant slowly spreads by underground stems.

Thicket Sedge, C. abscondita, is a perennial to 6 inches high. It has a low, dense growth habit and forms a dense mat of broad, dark green leaves. These plants make a good ground-cover in sun or shade, as long as the soil is kept moist.

Colony Sedge, C. communis, forms an 8-inch elegant little tussock of very slender, outward arching leaves. It remains in a tight clump and produces only occasional seedlings. It is quite manageable where space is very limited.

Fringed Sedge, C. crinita, is a 3 to 5 foot high perennial. It has long, pendulous seed spikes. Partial to wet situations, it makes a good waterside plant. This plant also benefits wildlife, as the seeds are eaten by song birds and waterfowl.

Japanese Sedge, C. brunnea, is the only species of sedge that is suitable as a houseplant. It is not often seen, but is extremely easy to `look after indoors. Its white-striped leaves make it a useful specimen for a terrarium or for growing among other plants in an indoor garden.