Planting in a utility easement? (utilities, maintenance, fence)

[Mamiamjo]

We have a 7' utility easement along the back of our yard with electrical and gas lines running through it.
Are we able to plant bushes etc along that easement? I'm not sure how deep the utility lines are and was wondering if it's possible to plant on top of them?
If yes, what kind of greenery is good to put there?

[mikeyyc]

Anything you're not going to be broken up about if it gets ripped out.

Stay away from large trees, other than that, most shrubs, bushes, etc are fine.

[d2mini]

I believe you can also call the utility companies and they can come out and mark exactly where the utilities are if you are not sure. Always good to do before having landcaping, sprinkler systems, etc done.
Also be careful of ATT or other internet lines. Those things are buried like 1" below the ground. And if you cut through fiber optic cable, the entire line needs to be replaced. Ask me how I know.

[mikeyyc]

Texas 811 should be your very first call.

Homeowner | Texas811

[jtothemak]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

Anything you're not going to be broken up about if it gets ripped out.

Stay away from large trees, other than that, most shrubs, bushes, etc are fine.

This, and just use common sense that anything with deep roots like trees is a bad idea. I would not spend a large amount of money just in case 10 years from now there is an issue and they need to dig up everything to get to those lines.

[Mamiamjo]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

Texas 811 should be your very first call.

Homeowner | Texas811

Yes, we already have them marked, so I know where they are. Unfortunately with my lot size and layout, that's the only place we have to plant anything.
Any suggestions, pics of what to plant along the fence line to add some greenery and or color without aggressive roots?

[testmo]

I have native flowering shrubs, annual flowers, and some tropicals mixed together in a circular bed in my easement. From there I have a rock path/rock garden over the easment with some tropicals and hardy flashy natives in pots. Solar water feature ends the rock garden and it curves to the other corner of the fence out of the easment into a gradual raised bed.

Worst case I lose the flower bed but its hardy (some honestly would just grow back) and fairly inexpensive. The rest the crew would just have to shovel rocks out of the way. Less water for grass and less maintenance so more time dealing with actual plant beds

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by Mamiamjo

Yes, we already have them marked, so I know where they are. Unfortunately with my lot size and layout, that's the only place we have to plant anything.
Any suggestions, pics of what to plant along the fence line to add some greenery and or color without aggressive roots?

Run a diamond pattern of wire all along the fence and plant jasmine at the base, training it to run along the wires.