Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0

Tree pruning by electric company - should I let them?


aesmith
 Share

Question

Hi,

 

I have a guy from SSE coming to see me on Saturday to discuss cutting back one of our trees to increase clearance from their 11kV line. I have no problem in principle, but was wondering whether I should let them go ahead, or arrange the work myself. Do these power distribution guys normally do a decent job, with the work done by a proper tree surgeon or at least by someone who considers the affect on the tree?

 

Also, looking at it from another angle, how close to 11kV lines would an independent arborist be happy working?

 

I just wanted to get a bit of an opinion so I know how to play it when the guy comes round.

 

Thanks, Tony S

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Answers 44
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters For This Question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
The legislation allows a landowner to do the work and reclaim reasonable costs.

 

 

 

Getting the agreements in place for a line blockage would be a problem though.

 

 

Yeah, they probably get more back than we get paid too!

 

Also remember that if the tree is being dismantled, work can be carried out by an untrained (in utilities) arb if it's 9m or greater from 66kv or below, so the likelihood is the tree is in or has a high potential to breach the vicinity of the conductors.

 

As for shutdowns, they're a nightmare for us to get, let alone joe public!

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0

As for shutdowns, they're a nightmare for us to get, let alone joe public!

 

 

Yes I was getting my terminology wrong, rail=line blockage ua=shutdown, I do both occasionally but never get involved with the safe system of work.

 

In fact when I was in the situation of letting these other ua contractors across my worksite it wasn't that they objected to my doing the work but more that their payment system would not allow me payment and I could see I would have to take them to court to get the money.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks for all the comments, from what you all say I'm sure I'll be happy with what they propose. I might get the offending limbs taken back to the main stem rather than cut short as was done before.

 

There were a few interesting related points raised. I hope I've not quoted anyone out of context ..

 

Not really mate. If a 20m tree stands 18m away from the line, and it falls over (eg due to storm damage) then it takes out the power line!

I see that logic, but the clearance was being quoted as twice that, and only in the context of an arborist pruning the tree. The examples you give are the result of the tree simply being there, not the result of it being worked on. SSE are only saying they need 3m clearance, unless I misheard in which case I'll know more on Saturday.

 

The reality is we should never plant anything that becomes sizeable near a powerline. But it does create employment.

In a lot of cases the trees were there before the power line.

 

Also remember that if the tree is being dismantled, work can be carried out by an untrained (in utilities) arb if it's 9m or greater from 66kv or below, so the likelihood is the tree is in or has a high potential to breach the vicinity of the conductors.

That's not live 66kV I assume? Or are you allowed to fell closer than you can prune?

 

Thanks again, Tony S

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

[quote name=aesmith;1102946

 

That's not live 66kV I assume? Or are you allowed to fell closer than you can prune?

 

 

 

Thanks again' date=' Tony S[/quote]

 

 

That is live working, you have to be further away to fell, eg, a tree 20m tall has to be 40.1m from the line, but a dismantle can be closer

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
That is live working, you have to be further away to fell, eg, a tree 20m tall has to be 40.1m from the line, but a dismantle can be closer

OK, that's my inexact terminology not being clear on the difference. But it seemed to be said earlier that this much clearance was needed for any pruning work as well, or did I just jump to that conclusion as we started off discussing pruning? Looking back he actually said "cut" so maybe I misunderstood.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

 

In a lot of cases the trees were there before the power line.

 

 

 

Agreed, but I was planting a woodland once with a group of lads I had gone to help under powerlines on pylons I said

" You cannot plant trees here"

"Why not"

etc....

 

We planted shrubs instead in that area. I wouldn't be suprised to go back their now and see Mighty oaks on their way up, because they just planted and didn't care what was what.

 

Hope the pruning goes well. We love to see before and after pictures if you would kindly oblige.:thumbup:

 

It either makes us feel happy,:001_rolleyes: or we critically analyse

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
I'm afraid you're correct, it's just a farmyard Ash tree not a specimen of great beauty. All the same we're trying for more trees rather than fewer, so don't want to ill treat any of them.

 

It sounds like an oldish ash tree i bet it's been pruned in the past and I'll also bet it'll be the re-growth that'll be taken off I'm also going to go on a limb (see what I did there haha) and say they won't even climb it they'll use insulated rods and a silky head to prune off the re-growth.

 

It's no biggy it's standard stuff they'll take less than an hour and be out your hair for the next 5 years (unless it fails)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
The legislation allows a landowner to do the work and reclaim reasonable costs.

 

Getting the agreements in place for a line blockage would be a problem though.

 

Really, my understanding was that it is the land owners responsibility not to allow their vegetation to encroach on the dno's network. Though in reality the power line company's maintain the clearance of the trees free of charge. I may well be incorrect but thought that is how it is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

Articles

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.