Chris Tackmann, General Manager & CEO
Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Oakdale Electric Cooperative (OEC) strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming and our safe spraying program.
Reliability
Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see OEC crews or contractors hired by the co-op out in the community trimming trees near power lines or spraying to prevent overgrowth. Our trimming and spraying crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.
In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events. Plus, we all know it’s more cost-effective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact.
Safety
Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.
Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.
Our Vegetation Management Program
We have a robust right-of-way maintenance program, encompassing comprehensive tree trimming and effective spraying techniques. Through these concerted efforts, we ensure the continuity of safe and reliable power supply while harmoniously preserving the natural beauty of our communities.
Tree Trimming - The tree trimming program is on a 5-year rotation. This means that we have tree-trimming contractors coming to your area once every five years. The contractor is instructed to clear 20 feet both sides of the conductor. They also will be removing trees or tree branches that hang over the lines as well as trees and brush growing in the right-ofway. Trees that are dead, dying or leaning heavy towards the line are considered to be hazard trees and will need to be removed even if they are outside of the right-of-way.
Spraying - The spraying program is a safe and efficient way to help keep the right-of-way clear of trees and brush through the careful use of herbicides. This is done two years after tree trimming. Selectively controlling trees and weeds along power lines and other rights-of-way not only ensures safe and easy access for service and maintenance needs but also preserves and enhances natural surroundings.
Herbicides - The herbicides used in spraying operations are classified as general-use by the EPA and all applicators are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, Consumer Protection. The herbicide used controls broadleaf weeds and brush but does not kill grass.
Communication - Prior to tree trimming and spraying operations, members are informed ahead of time in a mailed letter notifying them of the upcoming vegetation maintenance. This is a good reminder to make sure OEC has your most up-to-date mailing address on file.
Affordability
As a co-op, OEC always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.
When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Visit https://oakdalerec.coop/tree-planting-guide for a detailed tree planting guide. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.
Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting 608-372-4131.
We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.