Here are some of the most asked questions about our utility pruning operations. If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to contact us at the Home Office toll-free at:
1-800-248-8733 or e-mail: info@asplundh.com.
- How do you pronounce that name?
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“AH - splund”. The final “H” is silent. It is a Swedish family name meaning “grove of aspen trees”.
- Why do you have to prune or remove my trees? Why do you have to prune so much?
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There are many reasons to prune or remove trees that are growing into power lines.
Some common reasons include:
- Utilities are usually required by law to maintain safe and reliable electric service for the public.
- Trees near utility lines must be pruned or removed to keep the power on, and to protect high-voltage lines from damage.
- Reducing the threat from trees will reduce power failures and the hazard of downed wires, especially during storms, when trees and branches sway considerably. A single tree failure can cause a power outage for thousands of people.
The amount of pruning necessary varies depending on the type of tree, how often the tree is pruned, and the type of power line.
- Tree care industry standards recommend removing branches that grow toward the lines, reducing the amount of pruning needed in the future.
- Some trees grow many feet per year, and will quickly grow back into the lines unless they are adequately pruned.
- Tall growing trees directly beneath power lines may require extensive pruning, including the removal of the main leader.
- Who gave you permission to access my property to prune my trees? How much will it cost?
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Most power lines have an easement that allows the utility access for maintenance as necessary. Regardless of the easement, the utility provides a public service, and is required by law to provide safe and reliable electricity for everybody. This sometimes requires us to prune or remove trees that are located on private property. You will not be billed for this FREE service.
- Can any tree service do what you do?
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NO! The voltages of the power lines are much higher than household current. Any work around power lines must be performed by professional line clearance personnel. All of Asplundh’s professional utility arborists have been specially trained to work around power lines. Never attempt to do utility pruning yourself, and do not hire anyone to do the work. If you have any questions about who is qualified to do line clearance work, contact your local utility company.
- Can you top or prune the whole tree to give it a more symmetrical shape?
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Topping (stubbing and rounding over) is bad for trees, and often causes rapid growth back toward the power lines. Generally, we only prune the part of the tree that could affect the lines. This allows the rest of the tree to naturally grow away from the power lines.
Courtesy of ISA's "Best Management Practices: Utility Pruning of Trees"
- Will my tree become unbalanced when you prune only one side?
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Trees naturally adapt to changing conditions, and it is not unusual for trees to have more foliage on one side than another. Roots are what holds the tree up, and are generally not affected by utility pruning. Most importantly, after pruning, the tree can no longer contact the high-voltage lines.
Courtesy of ISA's "Best Management Practices: Utility Pruning of Trees"
- If you have to do so much pruning to my tree, wouldn’t it be better to just cut it down?
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We try to preserve as much of your tree as possible. Once it is clear of the lines, another tree service may be able to remove the tree for you if you wish. With approval from the utility company, Asplundh may be able to remove the tree. Remember that many trees are strong, fast growers that quickly begin to fill in after just one growing season.
- While you're here, can you remove that tree by my house?
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We are working for the utility company, so we can only work on the trees that are most likely to affect the power lines. However, some of our regional offices do provide tree services to the residential and commercial markets. Please click here for a listing of regional offices that perform residential and commercial work.
- Why were the neighbor's trees pruned differently?
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The neighbor's trees may have been closer to or farther from the lines. They may be a faster or slower growing species, or have a natural growth pattern that required a different style of pruning.
- How often do you prune the trees?
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Most utilities plan their utility pruning on a regular schedule, or cycle. The length of the cycle varies depending on location, weather, tree growth rates, and the overall condition of the trees along the lines. Generally, pruning must be done more frequently in areas with longer growing seasons and plenty of moisture. Cycles can be as short as just one year, or as long as six or more years.
- What do you do with all of the wood chips? Can I get a load of chips from Asplundh?
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Wood chips are recycled whenever possible, either as fuel or as landscape material. Chips are given away to the public in some areas. Ask the crew working in your area about availability or contact your local Asplundh office for more details.
Remember that the chips are freshly ground, may vary in quality, and contain a mixture of leaves, wood and bark. Crews cannot provide partial loads. A full load is about the size of a minivan. Consult your local Asplundh office about how to best use chips as mulch in the landscape.
- What is the best way to avoid tree and utility conflicts?
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The best way to protect utility lines and your trees is to plant "The Right Tree in the Right Place".
When you plant a tree, make sure that there is room for the tree to attain its full size - both above and below ground! In addition to utility lines, trees often conflict with roads, buildings, signs and lighting. Tree roots can damage foundations, sewer lines, septic systems and pavement.
- Where can I find more information about proper tree care?
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The National Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org), The International
Society of Arboriculture (www.treesaregood.com), Tree Care Industry Association (www.tcia.org), all have valuable information about tree care. The TREE Fund (www.treefund.org) is a non-profit foundation, supported by Asplundh, that funds research and education efforts into proper care for trees in our cities and towns.
- How can I get one of those cool Asplundh toy bucket trucks for myself?
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Asplundh toy buckets are back in stock! This newly-designed GMC die-cast metal truck with Altec aerial lift is a 1:34 scale model of the real thing. It has a movable boom, bucket and outriggers and working headlights. Own your own for only $79.95 (price does not include shipping/handling or applicable sales tax).
The trucks are available for purchase through First Gear, Inc. Click here to download the order form and additional ordering details.
