Tree limbs and power lines aren’t a good combination – especially when severe weather hits. Trees are a common cause of service interruptions and outages, and a damaging storm can disrupt power for extended periods.
In addition, tree limbs and branches that extend into power lines pose a significant risk to public safety even during mild weather. Anyone climbing a tree with limbs and branches that may be intertwined with power lines can come into contact with the wires and be seriously injured.
But that danger can be avoided by not planting tall-growing trees under or near electric wires and by routine tree trimming. The following are answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning Lakeland Electric’s tree trimming policy:
Please click on a question below to see the answer.
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| Q1. Why do the trees need to be trimmed from the power lines? |
| A: Trees are a major cause of power outages. When a tree limb comes in contact with a power line, it causes a short circuit. Tree interference can cause momentary circuit trips that only affect sensitive appliances as well as major power interruptions that affect hundreds of customers for an extended period of time. Trimming trees near the power lines can eliminate potential safety hazards and power outages. |
| Q2. How do you decide which trees need to be trimmed? |
| A: The primary voltage lines that provide electric service to your neighborhood require approximately 10 feet of initial clearance. This amount of clearance is necessary to allow for three years of re-growth, at which time the trees are scheduled to be trimmed again.
Trees near the lines are also inspected for potentially hazardous conditions. Trees with decay and weak limb attachments require additional clearance.
Secondary voltage service cables, the line from the pole to your house, require approximately two feet of clearance from abrading limbs. It usually is not necessary to trim large limbs for the service cable to your house. |
| Q3. Why are some trees trimmed differently than others? |
| A: There are two major factors. Set back distance from the power line determines the type of trimming required. A tree that originates 10-15 feet from the lines typically needs side limbs trimmed back to clear the lines. A tree located directly under the lines usually needs to be topped to reduce the height of the tree below the lines. Additionally, limbs growing over primary voltage lines need to be trimmed back to protect the lines from being damaged by falling limbs. Individual tree growth rates also determine the amount of clearance needed. Since line clearance tree trimming is scheduled on a cycle, slow growing trees do not require as much clearance as fast growing trees. |
| Q4. How does trimming affect tree health? |
| A: When a side limb is trimmed back to the point of origin at the trunk of the tree, the branch collar zone of the tree protects the tree by generating wood to form a closure. In contrast, when a tree directly under the line is topped in order to reduce the height of the canopy, there is no branch collar at the topped location to protect the tree. The exposed wood tissue begins to decay which can create a hazardous situation and eventually affect the health of the tree. |
| Q5. How can we avoid topping trees? |
| A: A large tree located under the power line will never achieve its full potential. Sometimes the only solution is to consider having the tree removed and replaced it with a suitable species. |
| Q6. How does Lakeland Electric's Tree Replacement Program work? |
| A: If a tree less than 12" in diameter and directly under the line is removed, we will plant a new tree to replace it. Replacement trees are typically 30 gallon containers, depending on availability and budgetary allowances. Selecting a new tree is an important decision and our utility arborists can assist you with suggestions. Tree Replacement vouchers are also available for property owners who prefer to purchase their own tree. |
| Q7. Is there a long term solution to eliminate the conflict between trees and power lines? |
| A: We must select and plant trees that are appropriately sized for the location. Before planting a tree, contact Lakeland Electric for our "Growing with Trees Planting Guide". This brochure contains helpful information and recommended planting distances to prevent new trees from conflicting with utility lines. |
| Q8. What if we have concerns or questions about a tree near the lines? |
| A: Lakeland Electric's utility arborists can meet at your request to evaluate trees growing near the lines and to explain what type of trimming will be necessary. |
| Q9. What can our neighborhood do to help? |
| A: Please be patient! Initial trimming has a "brown" effect because the woody parts of the tree are more visible. By next Spring, when new sprouts and leaves grow out, the canopy will be green again. If you receive a door hanger that indicates we are concerned with the condition of a tree on your property, please respond promptly. Your response helps us schedule our work efficiently. |
| Q10. Will Lakeland Electric assist with tree removals or pruning? |
| A: If you are planning to remove a tree or prune a tree near the high voltage power lines, it may be necessary for Lakeland Electric to trim the tree first. This provides a safety clearance for the tree service or other person to proceed with their work. We require five days notice to make these arrangements; there is no charge for this service and the property owner is responsible for the debris. |
| Q11. What if a tree on my property is hazardous or causes damage to the lines? |
| A: Trees that have fallen into high voltage power lines will be trimmed back by Lakeland Electric to facilitate line repairs. The property owner is responsible for the debris and the remaining portion of the tree. Adequate safety clearance from the high voltage power lines or other measures to ensure safety will be provided at no charge. |
| Q12. What if the tree to be removed is near the electric line to my house? |
| A: If you are planning to remove or prune a tree near the service cable (the electric line that runs from our pole to your house), it may be necessary for a line crew to temporarily disconnect the cable. The customer will be without electricity for the duration. We require five days notice and there is no charge for this service. |
| Q13. Will Lakeland Electric trim the trees on my property prior to the maintenance schedule? |
| A: It is usually not cost effective to trim the trees at one address if the remaining portion of the circuit is not trimmed. If a situation that you report could create a potential hazard or power outage, it will be scheduled with priority. |
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