We have a 1,200' driveway that meanders through our property. In one stretch it has woods on one side and a line of trees on the other. The other side of the line of trees is what I'd describe as prairie. This same stretch of driveway comes in close proximity to our overhead power lines for about 150'.
Late last fall a local tree trimming company contracted by the utility came through. They came in late one day and instead of trimming the trees that were near the lines they cut them down completely. When I got home that night and noticed it, it appeared that they were not yet done. I put a note on the next (still standing) tree ordering them to not cut any more until we spoke. Next morning I get a call from the tree crew and I immediately drove home to meet with them. My first question was "What is your directive from the utility regarding how far back to trim?". The foreman vaguely mentioned "... Oh, 15 feet or so from the line in each direction..". When I asked him why the trees were cut at ground level he indicated that they didn't want to have to come back as often. Huh??? (these guys are contracted).
Anyway, for the remainder of the tree line the foreman and I went through and agreed on what they were to trim and they completed the job. A couple of days later after I cooled down, I had a representative from the utility come out and look things over. He agreed that the trimmers were overly aggressive in their work and indicated that in the spring they would consider doing some replanting.
Now it is spring and I'm getting ready to formulate a letter to the utility outlining my expectations for tree replacement (assuming they are wanting to get by with a handfull of 24" saplings). The total amount of tree line that they clear cut is about 75' long. A rough count, and stump diameter, of the trees they cut is: qty 6 of 6"-8" trees, qty 10 of 3"-4" trees and qty 20 of 2" trees. These trees were not of high quality but none the less provided a wind break as well as a nice look when driving in.
Three questions for you all:
1) What is the typical ROW for a power utility? I'm in Minnesota.
2) I'm planning on requesting they replant at least 10-15 decent sized trees (6'-8' in height). I will agree that the trees should be a type that doesn't grow very high. I'd also want them planted by a nursery that provides some type of warranty. Although I am very capable of planting them myself, I'd prefer to let them pay to have the work done. What do you suppose my chances are of them agreeing to something like this?
3) Is the utility going to tell me to work this out with the tree company?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks - Kodiak...
Late last fall a local tree trimming company contracted by the utility came through. They came in late one day and instead of trimming the trees that were near the lines they cut them down completely. When I got home that night and noticed it, it appeared that they were not yet done. I put a note on the next (still standing) tree ordering them to not cut any more until we spoke. Next morning I get a call from the tree crew and I immediately drove home to meet with them. My first question was "What is your directive from the utility regarding how far back to trim?". The foreman vaguely mentioned "... Oh, 15 feet or so from the line in each direction..". When I asked him why the trees were cut at ground level he indicated that they didn't want to have to come back as often. Huh??? (these guys are contracted).
Anyway, for the remainder of the tree line the foreman and I went through and agreed on what they were to trim and they completed the job. A couple of days later after I cooled down, I had a representative from the utility come out and look things over. He agreed that the trimmers were overly aggressive in their work and indicated that in the spring they would consider doing some replanting.
Now it is spring and I'm getting ready to formulate a letter to the utility outlining my expectations for tree replacement (assuming they are wanting to get by with a handfull of 24" saplings). The total amount of tree line that they clear cut is about 75' long. A rough count, and stump diameter, of the trees they cut is: qty 6 of 6"-8" trees, qty 10 of 3"-4" trees and qty 20 of 2" trees. These trees were not of high quality but none the less provided a wind break as well as a nice look when driving in.
Three questions for you all:
1) What is the typical ROW for a power utility? I'm in Minnesota.
2) I'm planning on requesting they replant at least 10-15 decent sized trees (6'-8' in height). I will agree that the trees should be a type that doesn't grow very high. I'd also want them planted by a nursery that provides some type of warranty. Although I am very capable of planting them myself, I'd prefer to let them pay to have the work done. What do you suppose my chances are of them agreeing to something like this?
3) Is the utility going to tell me to work this out with the tree company?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks - Kodiak...
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