Frequently Asked Questions
Who will be trimming my trees?
Rockwood Electric Utility contracts only with trained, professional tree companies that meet REU guidelines and specifications.
Do I have a choice?
You may opt to pay an independent contractor to trim your trees to REU specifications prior to our crews trimming in your neighborhood.
What trees will be trimmed?
In order to continue to provide reliable electrical service to all ratepayers, REU must maintain and protect its facilities within the right-of-way. This means that we trim only trees that are a potential hazard to primary and secondary lines. Service lines that connect from the pole to a residence or business are the responsibility of the owner.
How often will trees be trimmed?
Rockwood Electric Utility’s program is for a four year cycle, which normally achieves necessary clearance.
What clearances will be maintained?
Trees will be trimmed to a minimum of 10 feet from the primary conductors. Limbs may be cut further back to comply with trim methods. Overhanging limbs will be trimmed as high as possible depending primarily on the reach of mechanical equipment used during trimming operations. Weak, diseased, and dead limbs that may contact the wire are removed. Danger trees which pose a threat to the high voltage lines but are outside the right-of-way are normally removed or trimmed to eliminate the hazard.
What will the tree look like when trimming is completed?
In some cases, the tree will look unusual due to the lateral trimming method used. However, after a few months of regrowth, there’s improvement in the appearance. Because the regrowth is directed away from the power line, future trimming is minimized and the process improves after future trim cycles.
What happens to the wood and brush?
During routine trimming all brush and debris, except stumps, will be removed within a couple of days.
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