Tree Trimming Safety

Tree trimming is an essential part of the everyday duty of MEC to clear any intrusion to powerlines to ensure that they don’t interfere and cause future Power distribution.

MEC has a dedicated Tree Trimming Team within the Distribution Department that goes out and cuts down trees and trims them so that they do not interfere with powerlines.

Tree trimming activity is done to ensure the safety of powerlines and the safety of the public and to safeguard a safe power distribution system. MEC’s safety manual APPA Section 508 prescribes the proper and safe way to conduct tree trimming safely.

Tree Pruning around Power Lines

Many trees have had to undergo drastic pruning, or even removal, to make way for power lines. While it’s better for everyone involved to plant only smaller trees beneath power lines, that’s not always what happens. Public access laws allow MEC to cut and trim any tree that may cause disruption to powerlines. Usually, property owners are advised prior to any tree-cutting activity. However, public access laws give MEC the right to attend to their power lines.

To prevent power outages depending on the location, an outage can affect thousands of people. Therefore, falling tree branches will pull down utility lines with them, and even branches brushing against lines in strong winds can be enough to cause an outage. So, it is essential for MEC to do the following;

Right-of-way (or ROW) clearing

Incidental line clearing

Power-line clearing

Utility line clearing and

Brush and tree-clearing

Can anyone trim trees protruding into powerlines?

MEC strictly advises against anyone trimming trees on their own property close to powerlines without the presence of MEC professionals who are trained and equipped with tools that will ensure their safety. Care must always be exercised when dealing with powerlines due to the high voltage running in them.

Powerlines must be treated as dangerous even when the power is not on. MEC’s Tree Trimming team, which has the proper tools, will come to any property upon request to clear any trees within the vicinity of any powerline.

No matter if you’re trimming a breadfruit or coconut tree, you should follow these general safety guidelines for trimming trees:

Make and follow a plan when removing limbs from a tree.

Use appropriate tree-trimming tools and make sure you know how to use them.

Use proper tree safety equipment. (More on this in a second)

Avoid falling limbs and debris by making an escape plan and working slowly.

When setting up ladders and other equipment, they should be secured so that nothing is in or can accidentally enter the safety clearance stated below.

Avoid electrocution from power lines by working at least 10 feet or more away from them.

Refer APPA Sec: 508

Tips on Tree Selection and Care

Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place

Too often, we take trees for granted by not properly planning and planting in the right place. Selecting the right tree for the right place will help you get the long-term benefits, beauty, and satisfaction from the trees you plant.

Trees may be the most important feature of our landscapes. They provide beauty and enjoyment through their many forms, colors, flowers, and fruits.

Along with the shade and beauty they provide are the many less visible benefits that make trees valuable assets. They enhance our environment by producing oxygen, storing carbon, cooling streets, preventing erosion, and filtering noise and pollutants. They can block wind and screen undesirable views. Attractive trees and landscaping add to a property’s real estate value.

Perhaps the most impressive benefit of trees is the dollars saved on utility bills. Research has shown that properly located trees can reduce air conditioning costs in homes and office buildings by 30 percent or more.

Minimizing Hazards from Tree Branches: Your Safety Comes First!

Trees have the potential to conduct electricity, making it crucial to address any issues related to tree branches growing into overhead power lines. Not only can this cause power outages, but it also poses a significant safety hazard for anyone coming in contact with the tree. Additionally, wind-blown branches can damage the service line that delivers electricity to your home, compromising its integrity and safety.

To ensure the situation is handled properly, it is important to rely on professionally trained and certified individuals who specialize in trimming trees near power lines. Only these experts possess the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain safety during the process.

It is your responsibility to inspect your property and take action accordingly. If you identify trees in contact with power lines or in close proximity to them, hiring a line clearance qualified contractor is essential. They will effectively trim the trees, reducing the risk of any potential hazards. Additionally, you can request assistance from electric utility staff to de-energize and lower your service line, further mitigating risks.