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Sept. 10, 2010
Proper tree pruning and planting = safety and reliability
In a recent letter to the editor in the Salt Lake Tribune, Michael Greer in Cottonwood Heights, Utah expressed appreciation for the efforts of a Rocky Mountain Power crew trimming tree branches near power lines in his backyard.
It’s always great to hear positive feedback about the difficult work our employees and contractors perform to ensure safe and reliable electric service to customers. While the same could be said about the dedication of our power line workers, meter readers and other employees, I’d like to follow up on Mr. Greer’s letter by focusing today on tree pruning.
Rocky Mountain Power gets high marks from customers on its vegetation management program, with a current satisfaction rating of about 94 percent. We do, however, get questions about how and why the company prunes trees near power lines.
Understandably, some people object to the unusual shape of trees after they’ve been properly pruned. While it’s true that newly pruned trees sometimes have the appearance of a punk rock hairstyle, there’s a good reason for the cuts our crews make. Our pruning methods are proven to be in the best long-term interest of tree health, public safety and service reliability.
In fact, for the past decade Rocky Mountain Power has been recognized with annual Tree Line USA awards from the National Arbor Day Foundation for our commitment to quality care for trees, worker training, tree planting and public education. Our contractor, Trees Inc., employs professional arborists to maintain a safe corridor around power lines.
Typically, at least 10 feet of clearance is required between trees and distribution lines, with larger clearances for higher voltage lines. Sometimes, the best solution for problem trees that require continual pruning is to remove them completely.
The best way to avoid contact between trees and power lines is to make sure the right species of tree is planted in the right place:
More tree planting tips and information about Rocky Mountain Power’s vegetation management program are available on our website. If you’ve ever planted, climbed, hung ornaments on, hugged or sat under a tree, you’ll love our new Small Trees for Small Places interactive booklet and educational video, A Cut Above.
Last but not least, don’t build a tree house or allow anyone to climb trees with power lines running close by; and never attempt to prune trees located near power lines on your own. Instead, call Rocky Mountain Power toll free at 1-888-221-7070. We’ll have a professional take care of it safely.
- Jeff
