Why we prune trees
Trees are one of the leading causes of electrical power outages. Pruning trees is a key part of providing safe and reliable electric service. A single limb that comes into contact with a power line can blink lights or cause an outage. A dangerous and sometimes deadly situation arises when trees grow too close to power lines. A child or someone in a tree that comes in contact with a power line could be seriously injured or even killed. Pruning methods Jackson Energy only hires professional tree trimming contractors trained in using 'directional' pruning techniques developed by the National Arborist Association. These techniques are published by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and are the accepted industry standard promoted by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture. These methods remove only the parts of the tree necessary and encourage growth away from the lines. Trees are pruned in a way that will leave them healthy even though it may sometimes change the natural appearance of the tree.
Tree removals
Unfortunately, diseases, poor soil support, or storms may damage a tree enough to warrant removal. When trees are a threat to fall across power lines a representative will contact you about removing the tree.
Trade-A-Tree Program
Sometimes trees and power lines cannot coexist safely. This is why Jackson Energy offers the Trade-A-Tree program. The program gives the owner of a tree that requires frequent pruning the option of replacing the tree with one that will not interfere with overhead lines. The guidelines below describe how the program works. Contact us if you would like a representative to see if your trees qualify for replacement.
TRADE A TREE GUIDELINES
- When Jackson Energy and a member agree to a tree replacement, a professional contractor hired by the co-op will cut and remove the old tree with the member being responsible for stump and wood removal.
- Jackson Energy will choose a local nursery to provide the services, based upon price and quality of product and service.
- Jackson Energy will only replace trees interfering with primary electrical conductors. Jackson Energy will determine if a tree qualifies for replacement based on the location, size, and type of trees. Dead or Diseased trees do not qualify for replacement. Only yard trees are eligible for replacement.
- A co-op representative must approve the tree for replacement before the tree is cut.
- Jackson Energy is not responsible for the health or growth of any items purchased. Any warranty or guarantee provided will be the responsibility of the participating nursery.
- Jackson Energy will determine the minimum distance a tree can be planted from the power lines. Any tree planted too close to the lines will be removed.
- Jackson Energy reserves the right to have the final determination of this program application in every situation and reserves the right to revise or cancel the program at any time.
Service drops
Service drops are the lines that run from the transformer to your meter. They carry a lower voltage than primary lines and have an insulated coating. During regular maintenance cycles crews will only need to trim limbs that are lying on or pushing against the line.
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Why we use herbicides?
Jackson Energy uses herbicides for improved efficiency and reliability. After the initial application, we only need to reenter the area every 5-7 years to selectively touch-up areas of dense or fast growing brush. Areas that were dense brush will be converted to grass and wildflowers. Once converted, these areas will require minimum work to keep a clear ground floor.
Are herbicides safe?
Yes. Jackson Energy only uses EPA approved products that have undergone years of testing. The herbicides are designed to work through enzymes found only in plants. They have the same active ingredients as herbicides you may be using yourself. All applicators are required to have a KY pesticide applicators license and must abide by the product label. For more information on herbicides, go to Dowwww.dowagro.com/ivm/utility/index.htm, Dupont www.dupont.com/ag/vm/index.html or BASF www.vmanswers.com/.
Why we can't just mow?
Although heavy growth sometimes requires mowing, there are several drawbacks. Mowing is an expensive and short-term solution to brush control. Rapid regrowth will often result in larger stem densities than present before mowing. Mowing also cuts good plants along with the undesirable brush. Applicators can target individual species with herbicides. Once herbicides are applied, future mowing usually isn't necessary since low growing grasses will be established on the ground floor.
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When severe weather strikes, Jackson Energy crews move swiftly to restore power. Trees are often the cause of downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and report the situation to Jackson Energy. We will do what is necessary to clear our facilities from downed trees. Since downed trees are an act of nature, the consumer will be responsible for the cleanup and removal of the tree(s) once Jackson Energy has removed any electrical hazard.
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Jackson Energy’s Integrated Vegetation Management Program is designed to reduce outages and provide access to electric lines. At the same time, we want to be good stewards of the environment. That is why we use only environmentally friendly herbicides. Our rights-of-way provide excellent habitat for wildlife. In fact, organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited, Butterfly Lovers International and Buckmasters have teamed up with our herbicide manufactures to provide improved wildlife habitat in the rights-of-way.
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Jackson Energy has contracted with W.A. Kendall and Company, INC., Cumberland Tree Experts, Penn Line and Phillips Tree Experts to perform mechanical line clearance in the co-op service area for 2007. You may contact us if you have any questions regarding our schedule or to find out when crews will be in your area.
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Kentucky law requires public utility companies to provide adequate service to our customers. To meet this obligation we must maintain our lines and keep them free from obstructions. When possible Jackson Energy will contact the landowners and notify them of our intentions. If there is an immediate threat to safety or electrical service we may enter the property and take corrective actions immediately. Notification and tree aesthetics are important to Jackson Energy and landowners; however, public welfare is our first priority.
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Your comments are important to us. If you have any comments or questions concerning our right-of-way program please contact:
Gavin Wilson
Right-of-Way Coordinator
1 800-262-7480, ext. 4056
gavinwilson@jacksonenergy.com
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