Regular Tree Trimming Keeps the Power On and Consumers Safe
By Rodger Nichols
Safety is at the top of every Northern Wasco County Peoples Utility District (NWCPUD) operations list, no matter the job. 1 of the key tasks in monitoring 250 miles of power lines in the utility’s territory is to keep vegetation away from the lines.
Trees and shrubs have been rapidly growing the past few months, which means some of them may be getting too close to power lines.
The Mid-Columbia’s strong winds, which have brought thousands of windsurfers to the area, can also push branches into contact with power lines. That can cause sparks, fires, power outages and infrastructure damage.
Snow loads in winter can lead to broken branches bringing down wires.
In addition to causing power outages, those energized lines can be dangerous for any people or animals that make contact. By diligently keeping trees away from power lines, the Peoples Utility District (PUD) can reduce the risk of infrastructure damage and minimize the need for costly repairs.
This specialty trimming is not something homeowners should tackle for themselves. Working around power lines should be left to professionals.
In 1 incident, a homeowner knocked down a primary line while trimming. He was fortunate not to have been injured by an arcing line. The power was out to the area until the PUD could repair the line.
Even hiring a standard arborist for a tree near a power line can cause a problem. In a recent case, an arborist trimmed the bottom part of a tree but did not clear the area near the wires. When the PUD was called in later, the cuts needed to create a safe amount of space around the wires left the tree lopsided. Homeowners should start with a call to the PUD.
Another advantage of calling the PUD first is if a tree is near the wires, crews trim the affected area for free. In many cases, crews can access the tree with a bucket truck, but they are also skilled in using safety equipment to climb trees.
Dave Taphouse is in charge of the PUD trimming operation. He is a certified arborist utility specialist, which is a highly skilled profession. The qualifications include a 2-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman line clearance tree trimmer through local 125 unions and a minimum of 3 years working in the vegetation program for an electric utility.
Dave worked for years as part of a trimming crew. He knows how to avoid personal injury and damage to power lines, as well as how to encourage tree growth away from lines.
These days, he supervises a crew from local contractor Trees Inc. He works closely with the team leader, a certified arborist utility specialist with 30 years of experience.
“They’re very professional,” Dave says. “They all live in this area and are part of the community.”
Beyond safety reasons, homeowners must pay attention to their trees to comply with city ordinances. 1 such ordinance says it is a violation to “cause, allow or permit any wire charged with electricity to come in contact with any such tree.”
Another section of the same ordinance can be helpful for those who plan ahead. It is unlawful to plant poplar, willow, conifer, cottonwood, fruit trees, nut trees, ailanthus, Chinese elm, walnut, European white birch, cutleaf birch, black locust or sycamore in any public parking strip, parkway or other public place.
Though the tree trimming crew works year-round, it can’t be everywhere. Alert homeowners can be the extra detectors in the system to keep everything safe.
If you notice a potential problem on your property—particularly if you see branches inside a 10-foot radius from a power line—call Dave at (541) 296-2226 to make arrangements. The crew needs about a week’s notice to fit the job into its trimming schedule. You’ll have the satisfaction of keeping things safe, and it won’t cost you a dime.