Tree Trimming
Why does MTEMC have to cut trees along its primary right of way 20 feet on both sides?
Does MTEMC replace trees that are removed from the right of way?
Does MTEMC clean up after grinding stumps along its right of way?
Does MTEMC trim electrical service lines that run from the main power line to the home?
Does MTEMC clean up trees after a storm?
How will members be notified that MTEMC will be trimming trees?
| Why does MTEMC have to cut trees along its primary right of way 20 feet on both sides? |
| When trees grow into or near power lines, they can cause power interruptions and safety concerns to you and your neighbors. MTEMC depends on a stringent trimming cycle to keep power lines free of tree growth. Trimming the entire power line on a regular basis instead of individual locations ensures an economical approach to maintaining the integrity of the power line. MTEMC’s sensible approach to trimming trees means having a thorough maintenance plan – a plan that improves the safety and reliability of electric service provided to you, our member. |
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| Does MTEMC replace trees that are removed from the right of way? |
| Yes, if the tree is landscaped (mowed around) on a weekly basis, MTEMC will replace it with a five-foot-tall, low-growing species planted at an approved distance from the power line at no cost to the member. (See our list of replacement trees.) |
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| Can members trim their own trees or hire contractors to trim their trees instead of allowing MTEMC contractors to trim their trees? |
| Yes, but they must be certified to do electric utility trimming and meet all state and federal regulations. This is permissible if the proper clearances are obtained and the trimming is done in a timely manner. |
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| Does MTEMC clean up after grinding stumps along its right of way? |
| No, the chips are left on site and no dirt, seed, straw, etc., will be placed by MTEMC to the site. |
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| Does MTEMC trim electrical service lines that run from the main power line to the home? |
| Yes, MTEMC trims a three-foot radius around services (from the MTEMC power line to the home) during our regular four-year trimming cycle only. MTEMC does not trim services at any other time. |
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| Does MTEMC clean up trees after a storm? |
| No, MTEMC trims trees to prevent electric outages on our system. Therefore, MTEMC wants to remove that tree before it causes an outage, not after. The tree still belongs to the member. In this case, our immediate priority is to restore power to our members. |
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| How will members be notified that MTEMC will be trimming trees? |
| Work planners go into the neighborhood to meet personally with members to discuss the work. These work planners are specially trained individuals, many of them certified arborists. They have flexible schedules to maximize their ability to meet with members. If a work planner is unable to contact a homeowner, a door hanger is left that explains the trimming that must be done. A telephone number is listed on the door hanger should the member have questions or concerns. |
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| Can MTEMC legally trim trees? |
| Yes, MTEMC has the right and the obligation to its members to maintain any and all vegetation within its right of way. The court and legal system strongly support utilities’ right to trim and remove trees and or brush within and outside of the right of way. |
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| How should trees be trimmed? |
| Trimming should be done using the lateral pruning method, which was developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and approved by the National Arborist Association, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Lateral pruning leaves the overall structure of the tree stronger and more resistant to high winds and heavy ice. Future growth is directed away from power lines. Topping trees (also known as rounding over or shaping) is NOT endorsed by ISA because it leaves trees susceptible to disease and insect infestation. |
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