Tree Trimming Safety

Tree trimming is an essential part of the everyday duty of MEC to clear any intrusion to powerlines to ensure that they don’t interfere and cause future Power distribution.

MEC has a dedicated Tree Trimming Team within the Distribution Department that goes out and cuts down trees and trims them so that they do not interfere with powerlines.

Tree trimming activity is done to ensure the safety of powerlines and the safety of the public and to safeguard a safe power distribution system. MEC’s safety manual APPA Section 508 prescribes the proper and safe way to conduct tree trimming safely.

Tree Pruning around Power Lines

Many trees have had to undergo drastic pruning, or even removal, to make way for power lines. While it’s better for everyone involved to plant only smaller trees beneath power lines, that’s not always what happens. Public access laws allow MEC to cut and trim any tree that may cause disruption to powerlines. Usually, property owners are advised prior to any tree-cutting activity. However, public access laws give MEC the right to attend to their power lines.

To prevent power outages depending on the location, an outage can affect thousands of people. Therefore, falling tree branches will pull down utility lines with them, and even branches brushing against lines in strong winds can be enough to cause an outage. So, it is essential for MEC to do the following;

• Right-of-way (or ROW) clearing
• Incidental line clearing
• Power-line clearing
• Utility line clearing and
• Brush and tree-clearing

Can anyone trim trees protruding into powerlines?

MEC strictly advises against anyone trimming trees on their own property close to powerlines without the presence of MEC professionals who are trained and equipped with tools that will ensure their safety. Care must always be exercised when dealing with powerlines due to the high voltage running in them.

Powerlines must be treated as dangerous even when the power is not on. MEC’s Tree Trimming team, which has the proper tools, will come to any property upon request to clear any trees within the vicinity of any powerline.

Tips on Tree Selection and Care

Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place

Too often, we take trees for granted by not properly planning and planting in the right place. Selecting the right tree for the right place will help you get the long-term benefits, beauty, and satisfaction from the trees you plant.

Trees may be the most important feature of our landscapes. They provide beauty and enjoyment through their many forms, colors, flowers, and fruits.

Along with the shade and beauty they provide are the many less visible benefits that make trees valuable assets. They enhance our environment by producing oxygen, storing carbon, cooling streets, preventing erosion, and filtering noise and pollutants. They can block wind and screen undesirable views. Attractive trees and landscaping add to a property’s real estate value.

Perhaps the most impressive benefit of trees is the dollars saved on utility bills. Research has shown that properly located trees can reduce air conditioning costs in homes and office buildings by 30 percent or more.

Minimizing Hazards from Tree Branches: Your Safety Comes First!

Trees have the potential to conduct electricity, making it crucial to address any issues related to tree branches growing into overhead power lines. Not only can this cause power outages, but it also poses a significant safety hazard for anyone coming in contact with the tree. Additionally, wind-blown branches can damage the service line that delivers electricity to your home, compromising its integrity and safety.

To ensure the situation is handled properly, it is important to rely on professionally trained and certified individuals who specialize in trimming trees near power lines. Only these experts possess the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain safety during the process.

It is your responsibility to inspect your property and take action accordingly. If you identify trees in contact with power lines or in close proximity to them, hiring a line clearance qualified contractor is essential. They will effectively trim the trees, reducing the risk of any potential hazards. Additionally, you can request assistance from electric utility staff to de-energize and lower your service line, further mitigating risks.

Remember, your safety is paramount whenever dealing with overhead power lines. Here are some important precautions to keep in mind:

1. Avoid direct or indirect contact with overhead power lines.
2. Maintain a minimum distance of ten feet between yourself, ladders, tools, poles, or fruit pickers, and power lines.
3. Do not allow children to climb trees with power lines running through or near their branches.
4. Do not pick coconuts or breadfruits (ma) where power lines are near with a metal pole.
5. Keep items like antennas, kites, model airplanes, and metallic balloons well away from power lines.

If you spot something caught in a power line, it is crucial not to try to free it yourself. Instead, contact your utility’s trouble line for professional assistance. Furthermore, if someone has received an electric shock from being too close to a power line, call 9-1-1 immediately for immediate medical attention.

Remember, prioritizing safety around power lines is of utmost importance, and by following these guidelines, we can collectively ensure a secure environment for all.

Safely Planting your Trees

If you are planting a tree near overhead power lines, keep these guidelines in mind.

• Trees that mature at heights below 10 feet may be planted under power lines.
• Trees that mature at heights between 20 and 30 feet should be planted at least 10 feet, horizontally, away from overhead lines.
• Taller column-shaped trees should be planted at least 15 feet from overhead lines.
• Taller trees with spreading crowns that mature at heights greater than 30 feet should be planted at least 30 feet from overhead lines.

Also take underground utility lines into consideration when planting a tree.

• Locate and identify all underground utility lines before you start digging. For help call MEC at 625-38289or 3829.
• Do not plant any trees or shrubs directly over underground power lines.
• Plant a tree at enough distance from an underground line that at maturity the canopy of the tree does not extend over the line. The roots with the greatest potential to cause damage are usually situated in the area under the tree’s canopy.