Tree pruning by electric company - should I let them?

[aesmith]

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

[CJM]

Yes let's them, these guys working for the network operaters are qualified arborists.

A arborist who isn't authorised to work on the power lines shouldn't cut trees next to them they should be 2 tree lengths away from live power lines.

 

I work for a utility company, I've done 8 years private and commercial 5 of those years were working for an arb approved company so I know how to prune and these lads will too

[CJM]

One more thing it's only maintance so they'll only be taking a small amount off, they only need enough clearance for 3 years then they'll come back and do the same again

[Eddy_t]

Yes, let them do it, they get paid for it at no cost to you, where as if you do it, it costs you and the tree team don't get paid

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App

[aesmith]

Thanks for the comments, that sounds good. I can discuss the detail when the guy's round. He said they need 3m clearance, and also mentioned that it was a five year check so I assume they cut back so that it's not likely to encroach on their 3m before the next check.

 

A arborist who isn't authorised to work on the power lines shouldn't cut trees next to them they should be 2 tree lengths away from live power lines.

Could you clarify what you mean by "tree length"?

 

Thanks, Tony S

[Eddy_t]

The length of a tree, top to floor, height in other words

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App

[Commando]

I had the guys from Glendale (For Western Power) trim out under the 11kv lines over my land. Good bunch of lads, and did a good sensitive job.

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App

[aesmith]

The length of a tree, top to floor, height in other words

Thanks. That's a surprising distance, for example some of our mature ash trees must be over 20m, making the safe distance quite significant.

[Gnarlyoak]

Thanks. That's a surprising distance, for example some of our mature ash trees must be over 20m, making the safe distance quite significant.

 

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! And that's what the utilities companies want to try and avoid.

 

Recent history demonstrates the problems this causes, people without power for days over Christmas & New Year, and sadly one old boy died during this winters storm when he tried to remove a tree which had partially fallen across a road, but was hung up on a live power line.

[Goaty]

I would however suggest whilst not being an irritant have a clear idea between both parties if you care about the trees. Some powerline work I've seen is the bare minimum to get the job done and is not a good result for the tree.

 

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

[openspaceman]

Yes, let them do it, they get paid for it at no cost to you, where as if you do it, it costs you and the tree team don't get paid

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App

 

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.