This article was published in August 2022 and may be outdated.
Many homeowners have a padmount transformer on their property. You can landscape around it with ornamental shrubs, but do not block the padlock side. This side must always be accessible for our crews to do maintenance work.
A padmount transformer reduces the voltage of electricity that flows to your home. This big green metal box means there are buried electrical lines in the area. Before planting, remember to Click Before You Dig.
Some tips to follow:
- Download Manitoba Hydro’s guidelines for using ornamental shrubs (PDF, 1.6 MB).
- Don’t plant trees near the transformer because the roots could eventually lift the concrete pad.
- While safe, padmount transformers are not meant for touching, climbing, or playing. The transformers are locked for safety and signs on the box warn of electrical danger.