The placement of plant materials must be done with knowledge of the photometrics and pole placement for the highway. In general, high mast lighting will not be affected by plant material placement due to the height of the light source. Plant material, however, should not be placed immediately next to the mast, since lowering the lighting for maintenance requires a clear zone.

Where standard pole mounted fixtures are used, placement of plant materials becomes more critical. Trees must be placed so future growth will not interfere with the light source. As a rule, trees should not be placed forward of any light standard.

Lighting may also be used to highlight trees in a landscape design within the ROW.