Trees coming in contact with energized lines can create safety hazards to both life and property as well as cause electric service interruptions to the Cooperative’s members.  These interruptions can be an inconvenience to many members but can also create a life and death situation when power is interrupted to hospitals, schools or individuals on electrically operated life-support systems.  In order to reduce these problems the Cooperative has undertaken an active line clearance and tree trimming program.  (Tree Trimming Program for 2006)  Contract tree trimming crews are utilized on a continuous basis throughout the service area trimming and in some cases removing  trees under or within the general vicinity of the Cooperative's  distribution lines.  Members should take this into consideration when planting new trees and avoid planting them in the vicinity of  the Cooperative’s distribution lines. If this cannot be avoided the trees planted should be of a variety that grows to a limited height. Some of the varieties recommended are the amur maple, flowering crabapple, serviceberry, eastern redbud, hawthorn, kousa dogwood, Japanese lilac, Newport plum, or the star magnolia.

It is important for members to realize that line clearance pruning of trees is different than ornamental trimming.  The intent is to provide enough clearance from electrical lines so that the tree will not have to be trimmed again for approximately four years.  In most cases this clearance is approximately eight (8) feet.  Trimming is performed according to the American National Standards Institute tree pruning guidelines to protect the health of the tree after the trimming is complete.  This requires that cuts be made at a lateral branch that is large enough to assume the primary growth role or at the point where the branch attaches to the trunk.  Methods used for line clearance trimming include side-pruning, crown reduction, crown raising and vee-pruning.

Crown Reduction	Crown Raising

Side Pruning - Single Phase	Side Pruning -Three Phase

e

Vee-Pruning

For questions concerning Menard Electric's Tree Trimming Program call the cooperative office.
1-800-872-1203 (217) 632-7746.

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