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Christiane G. Karas specializes in ecologically conscious
properties. including active solar and passive solar construction,
in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Baja California, Mexico
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| LPEA Tree Trimming Underway |
| Indiana Reed | 7/21/10 |
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| Back to the News Summaries |
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To help ensure the on-going safety and reliability of electricity transmission, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is performing scheduled, routine inspections and maintenance on overhead lines in Archuleta County during the coming weeks. The effort includes the safe trimming and removal of trees that pose a hazard to electrical system lines.
LPEA’s tree trimming crews will be working in the Town of Pagosa Springs, along Archuleta CR 500 to the 2000 block, County roads 200 and 400, the Pagosa Hills subdivision, Elk Run Estates, Hidden Valley Ranches and The River Ranch.
According to LPEA officials, removal of hazardous trees or branches is necessary for public safety, to decrease the potential for power outages and to avoid the possibility of fires caused by limbs or trees falling onto or through power lines. The decrease in tree-caused outages during the past several winters can be attributed, at least in part, to LPEA’s comprehensive program.
 “We try to keep a close eye on all the trees growing under or near our power lines,” said Steve Gregg, LPEA operations manager. “Unfortunately, it’s usually the trees that were either very small or planted after the power line was installed, that are now, years later, growing up and into the lines. Ideally they should be removed, but we will trim them away from the lines, and in some cases can encourage them to grow away from the lines, but not all types of trees respond well to a lop-sided trim.”
According to the University of Colorado Extension Office, trees develop with an intimate connection between roots and braches. Spruce and pine grow in a corkscrew pattern, with cottonwood, willow ash and honey locust developing with roots on one side of the tree providing the water and nutrient needs for the same side. In the case of the latter, when branches are trimmed off one side to avoid a power line, it can deplete the roots on that side of its needed sugars and starches.
“We see it with the willows and cottonwoods,” said Gregg. “The roots die on the side of the tree we’ve trimmed, and root rot sets in, destabilizing the tree. It’s then unfortunately more prone to being blown over or attacked by insects. While we certainly understand the reluctance of property owners to remove these trees, in the case of a tree that needs to be side-pruned to prevent interference with power lines, the correct decision is to remove the tree.”
Gregg reminds property owners to always “look up” when planting new trees. If an existing power line crosses the site, select a new one – or plant a tree that will not reach the lines in its maturity.
LPEA crews do remove any tree deemed “hazardous” – those that are dead, damaged, infested with insects, showing evidence that the root system is jeopardized or unstable, and/or one that may be leaning toward power lines and is tall enough to come into contact with LPEA electrical equipment if it were to fall.
Felled trees are limbed and left for property owners’ use or disposal. Trails and roadways are cleared of debris by LPEA. Landlords with rentals in the maintenance areas are encouraged to alert their tenants of possible activity on the right-of-way or adjacent property.
LPEA customers with additional questions or concerns regarding tree trimming are urged to call Roland Pack, 382.7183 or Ben Cordova, 382.3534.
LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit their website. |
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