What is PECO's objective to continuously trimming trees?
PECO is committed to providing customers with safe and reliable electric service. Tree branches that contact power lines can cause power outages. These outages may result in risk to the public from downed power lines and the possibility of property damage. Aside from being inconvenient, power outages also pose a threat to public health and safety. For example, power outages affect those on life support; interrupt service to schools, hospitals, traffic signals, and sewer and water pumping facilities.
Vegetation Management's program is designed to minimize such interruptions and hazards by clearing limbs, trees, vines, and other vegetation away from power lines. By doing this before the vegetation has a chance to damage property, cause power outages, or compromise safety, we can help assure you safe and reliable service.
Why don't you consider aesthetics when trimming?
Several factors are considered when pruning a tree for line clearance. The following is a prioritized list of the factors considered when performing utility line clearance work:
- Safety to the public, landowner, and utility workers.
- Service reliability to PECO customers.
- Use of arboriculturally correct pruning techniques.
- Type of facility construction.
Can you trim my tree lightly?
The amount of trimming required for line clearance depends on several factors:
- Growth rate characteristics of the species (how fast new branches will grow back).
- Flexibility of the branch nearest the wire (how much the branch will sway in the wind). Voltage carried by the line (the hazard presented by branch contact).
Does PECO maintain vegetation for telephone and cable television lines?
No. However, you can contact your local communication provider for further information.
What qualifications do you have to trim trees?
PECO vegetation management crews are specially trained according to OSHA and ANSI regulations in order to safely work on trees close to electrical conductors.
PECO also requires that line clearance specialists trained in proper arboricultural pruning techniques, which meet the standards set by the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Is there an alternative to repeated tree trimming, which sometimes results in a disfigured appearance?
Yes. The property owner may want to have trees removed to avoid the need for future periodic trimming. Small "volunteer" trees or trees inappropriately planted too close to lines are good candidates for removal. It is often not economically justifiable to remove large trees.
Do you paint cuts?
PECO's contract crews do not paint trimmed trees with wound dressing because this type of application is no longer recommended in the arboriculture industry . The latest research indicates that such dressings are primarily cosmetic and do not stop decay. In fact, if applied in a thick coat they can have a negative effect.
Why do you trim so much?
PECO's vegetation management program is designed to minimize interruptions and hazards caused by trees. The closer a tree grows to a high voltage line, the greater amount of pruning required to assure safe clearance between the tree and power wires. In order to meet public safety needs, as well as maintain our reliability, proper clearance is necessary. The amount of trimming varies based on line voltage, line construction, and tree species.
Will trimming hurt my tree?
Through the use of properly trained professionals and utilizing sound pruning techniques, this work will not compromise the health of trees. Pruning or trimming is done not only by utilities, but also by municipalities and highway departments to maintain roadway clearance.
What measures do you follow to protect a tree's health?
Any tree-pruning program, including those carried out by utilities, municipalities, or homeowners, should follow the same basic horticultural principles. PECO's vegetation management contractors adhere to the following approved arboricultural practices:
- Removed branches are cut as close as possible to the branch collar without injury or removal of the collar, which is called Natural Target Pruning. This procedure helps promote wound closure and reduce chances for decay.
- Whenever possible, branches are cut back properly using the 1/3 rule: the branch is cut back to another branch that is at least 1/3 the diameter of the limb to which it is attached.
- Limbs that grow away from the wires are retained, allowing the outside portion of the tree to develop its natural shape. This is known as directional method of line clearance.
- Tree topping and shearing is avoided. Shearing detracts from the natural appearance and promotes decay in branches and the growth of weak, fast-growing water sprouts or sucker growth. These sprouts grow back more quickly and require more frequent pruning.
Why can't I trim my own tree or have a private contractor trim it?
Tree trimming near electrical wires can result in injury or death. Only persons trained and qualified in the special techniques needed to work safely around energized lines should do so.
Why doesn't PECO put the lines underground?
Since 1984, PECO has and continues to install lines underground in new construction developments. Despite being extremely expensive, and sometimes costing several times more than overhead construction, an underground line is not problem-free for trees. During construction tree roots, which provide support and nutrients for the trees, may be cut. Cutting tree roots can lead to tree decline or death or may cause a tree to uproot in high winds. Future maintenance of underground lines may also cause damage to existing tree roots, landscape plantings, and lawns.
Does PECO plant trees?
PECO participates in the Municipal Tree Restoration Program (MTRP) in cooperation with Penn State University. This is a partnership between PECO and municipalities to remove defective or hazardous municipal trees and replace them with more compatible species.
Why do you need to use herbicides?
State certified applicators are used to control unwanted brush under power lines so that it won't grow into the lines, causing interruptions in electrical service. Herbicides control targeted undesirable plant species.
Are the herbicides used safe?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves these products for use only after determining they will not adversely affect people, animals, or the environment when applied correctly. In fact, herbicides are often used to improve wildlife habitat and promote the growth of endangered plant species, by controlling fast growing non-compatible trees. Also, by allowing for greater diversity of herbaceous plants. Many of the products used on our system can be purchased at local home improvement stores.