Pole replacement location

Check with you local property tax authorities to find out where the UTILITY EASEMENT is located.

If the utility pole was placed within the designated UTILITY EASEMENT, it will stay.

While the size of easements may vary by state and location, pretty much our entire state is 15 feet from edge of road or alleyway and 8 feet on either side of adjoining property lines for total of 16 feet.

A pic would be helpful…

A power / telephone pole is generally 30 feet plus above ground.

A pedestal is round and 30 to 36 inches high.

A handhold is ground level container with a removable top

A utility marking pole is white with a colored tip to inform that selected service is buried below…

1. Red – electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables.
2. Yellow – natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials.
3. Orange - communications, alarm/signal lines, cables, or conduit.
4. Blue – potable water lines.

It's a power or telephone.  Old pole has a pole inventory number.  Power company says its not theirs.

I understand the easement, but is it common practice to disregard any plants?  With some notice, I could have dug up and transplanted from the flower bed, or asked them to consider the other side of the old pole.

is it common practice to disregard any plants?

Yes because they have a job to do.  You took the gamble planting too near the pole.  🤷‍♂️