Side-Trimming and Line Maintenance
SEC employs Line Clearing Contractors to trim vegetation back a minimum of 20 feet on each side of SEC’s distribution lines, mowing the undergrowth in unmaintained areas and trimming yard trees to 15 feet below the bottom wire. Trimming practices allow utilities to obtain their necessary line clearances, all of Southside Electric’s Contractors are required to follow the industry’s ANSI 300 tree trimming standards. Approximately 1,000 miles of side-trimming is completed per year.
Aerial Trimming
Aerial trimming is an efficient way to cut limbs overhanging power lines that are higher than standard bucket trucks can reach (60-70 feet) or are not accessible with equipment. The helicopter uses a detachable saw hanging 130 feet below to remove overhang and trim back vegetation. It is an efficient and cost-effective solution to trimming, providing many years of power lines being free from overhang. This method of trimming greatly reduces the chances of limbs falling from snow, ice and wind. The Cooperative has seen positive results from aerial trimming and has plans to continue trimming for the future. SEC performs an average of 6 weeks of aerial trimming a year.
Aerial Tree Trimming Video
Herbicide and Brush Control
SEC performs herbicide applications to approximately 1,800 miles per year. Areas are treated the first growing season after the side trim cycle, and then re-treated every three to four years to address any unwanted vegetation that has begun to grow back within the right-of-way. Selective herbicides are used to target saplings, vines, and other woody plants that can potentially grow tall enough to interfere with the power lines, or obstruct access to the rights-of-way. Only areas with undesirable vegetation that can potentially interfere with electric service are treated using low-volume backpack sprayers.
Herbicide Use FAQ
- Are herbicides SEC uses safe for wildlife and pets? Yes. All herbicides used on the system have been tested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Will SEC spray my yard? No, only woody stemmed vegetation that has the potential to grow into the line will be sprayed in unmaintained rights-of-way.
- Does SEC use roundup/glyphosate? No, only non-glyphosate mixes are used.
- How is herbicide applied? Low-Volume Backpack Spray
- Who performs herbicide application for SEC? SEC contracts with Alliance Forestry and Superior Forestry for herbicide applications.
To stay up to date on what vegetation management projects are taking place across SEC service territory, visit our Planned Maintenance & Construction Projects page.