Electricity cables.

[Bob The Dog]

I went to look at a job today. Most of it straightforward with a bit of climbing etc. the customer then showed me a lovely mature cherry in his garden which he wants thinning / reducing somewhat. Only problem is that the top of the tree grows approx 5 feet above and through the mains power cables. I'm not qualified to work around electric, and haven't had any experience of this before. I've pointed him in the direction of the utility company, in the hope they'll take some action as the cables pass over his land and feed other properties. Just wondering whether they will actually sort this work out, and whether it is done at their expense or whether my customer will have to pay for it? Thanks guys.

[briquette_seller]

Should be done at their expense.

Stay well clear.

[Bob The Dog]

I hoped it would be. Thanks for your reply. I told the customer I wasn't going near it and he was more than happy with that.

[tree79]

Yes some one should come out to you, it normally goes through as a reactive job. Its all paid for for, but may take a little for the work to be undertaken. Think it will be some from Glendale (WPD) in that area who undertake the work

[woody paul]

It was a lovely mature cherry tree, wait till utility cutters have been at it.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

It was a lovely mature cherry tree, wait till utility cutters have been at it.

 

 

Yes, quite! See the attention to arboricultural detail you get from an Arb Assc accredited outfit!

 

At least it should be "free" (although paid for in the customer's electricity bill)

[Bob The Dog]

Perhaps they'll just clear the area around the cables and leave the rest for some sympathetic pruning? I saw some lads a while ago who do utility contracts at work. They were good for clearance and take down work, but I do wonder how much damage they'd do to a tree like this cherry.

[tree79]

That's true some of the cutting teams aren't the greatest but there are some good teams out there.

You can be on site on the day of work, you can ask for the power to switched off (assuming the work can't be done live) or you can get them to clear the minimum amount and then finish the work yourself.

 

Depending on close the branches are to the cable(or the cable type ), I won't do any work on the tree

[Yournamehere]

Don't forget the tea and chocolate digestives: you've got to manage their expectations:001_smile:

[dig-dug-dan]

That's true some of the cutting teams aren't the greatest but there are some good teams out there.

You can be on site on the day of work, you can ask for the power to switched off (assuming the work can't be done live) or you can get them to clear the minimum amount and then finish the work yourself.

 

Depending on close the branches are to the cable(or the cable type ), I won't do any work on the tree

 

Had a similar thing where a customer wanted a sycamore pollarding that had a cable going through it. Waited nearly a year for a shutt off, no joy. Customer got fed up with waiting and got another contractor to do it live!!