Help PUD by planting low growing trees
By Libbie Soden Special to the NEWS
More than half of our power outages are caused by trees.
Fallen trees and tree limbs that become entangled in power lines result in service interruptions that are not only inconvenient, but threaten public safety. Power outages threaten public safety in many ways, crippling traffic signals, hospitals and customers with life-support systems.
Heavily forested areas like Camano Island are a challenge for the PUD and its customers.
Residents who see trees growing into power lines should report the location to the PUD so they can send out an inspector.
Each year, the utility trims back about 500 road miles of vegetation that has come too close to power lines and other infrastructure.
In recent years, the PUD has increased its focus on Camano Island and other heavily wooded areas. Residents have helped by reporting trees that are close to power lines.
The result of these efforts is fewer outages during storms and better reliability for customers.
Another way that residents can help is by better planning before you plant. Choosing the right tree and the best location results in attractive, healthy trees that need little maintenance and don’t threaten the power lines.
Wise planting ensures reliable electrical service, protects street and sidewalk visibility and prevents damage to pavement, sewers and buildings.
No one tree is perfect for all locations.
Some Northwest native trees can grow to tremendous heights. These large trees are likely to eventually intrude on overhead power lines, sidewalks, buildings and streets.
When planting in the vicinity of power lines, homeowners are advised to select trees that mature at 25 feet or less. Many ornamental and native varieties of deciduous trees, conifers, shrubs and hedges are appropriate for this use.
PUD’s Web site has a list of options, or visit the Evergreen Arboretum and Garden in Everett, which features a free demonstration area that shows plants that are suitable near power lines (www.evergreenarboretum. com).
Homeowners should also keep enough clearance around the pad-mounted transformer cabinets in the neighborhood. Trees and plants should be at least three feet away from the cabinet and 10 feet away from the cabinet’s front side where utility crews access the transformer.
Anyone with concerns about trees growing into power lines that are showing danger of falling should call the PUD’s vegetation management office at 425-783- 5579.
Libbie Soden is PUD’s
vegetation management superintendent.
