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Tree Trimming
Throughout the year, SMUD tree trimming crews work to maintain reliable electric service by clearing branches and fallen trees away from power lines. But with more than 260,000 trees growing near SMUD's equipment, the District launched an even more aggressive tree-trimming campaign.
Experienced SMUD tree-trimming crews and professional tree-trimmers contracted specifically for this project will inspect and safely trim trees away from power lines throughout SMUD's 900-square-mile service territory.
Tree branches hitting or leaning into power lines can cause power outages, especially during winter storms with high winds and rain. Also, trees growing into power lines can be dangerous, providing children and others a path to power lines.
Notification
If work must be done to trees on your property, a SMUD employee or representative will contact you or leave a door hanger at your home before the pruning project begins. However, if a tree has caused an outage or poses an imminent safety hazard the work may be done immediately without notification.
Pruning Technique
To reduce damage to trees, SMUD uses "directional pruning" techniques instead of the old method of topping off or rounding over trees.
Giving trees a "crew cut" (shown at right) by using the rounding over method destroys the tree's natural shape and branches cut back to stubs often decay or die.
Directional Pruning Method
Directional pruning (shown at right) may give the tree a lopsided crown or a V-shaped gap in the tree top. But it causes less stress to the tree and may allow the tree to reach normal heights, even if it is directly under the utility line. Directional pruning also reduces the wounds to the tree from frequent pruning.
Tree Replacement Program
While tree-trimming remains an important method of maintaining reliable electric service, the permanent solution is to replace problem trees with ones that will not grow into the power lines. SMUD's tree-replacement program is intended to help protect customers and property from potential hazards while eliminating tree-related power outages.
When a tree needs to be removed because of a potentially hazardous situation, you will be contacted by SMUD's tree division. With your permission, the tree will be removed and a replacement tree of your choice will be delivered.
When evaluating trees for removal, three factors are considered:
- Location: Is the tree directly under SMUD's power lines or offset from the lines? Tall trees growing under power lines typically create more problems.
- History: Has the tree caused problems before? If so, and the potential for more problems exists, the tree is targeted for removal.
- Species:Typically, species that have a high regrowth rate would be targeted. These are referred to as cycle-limiting or cycle-busting trees because they grow back into the power lines in less time than is set for the trimming cycle.
SMUD offers 12 varieties of ornamental trees or shrubs. Each has been selected not only for its shorter height, but also for its natural beauty. Trees will be delivered in five-gallon containers, and are guaranteed for one year from the day of planting.
Worker Identification
Contractors hired by SMUD will equip their vehicles with SMUD logos in addition to their company name. If you have questions about the work being done in your neighborhood, call the SMUD tree division office at 916.732.5854.
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