North of us in our county has EAB which they think came from Canada so the power company up here is taking down any ash near the power lines. Some areas started taking down ash a few years back because of safety concerns down the road once EAB hit.
What a waste of time and dollars. So many areas have tried to stop the borers but all have failed. As for the safety concerns, I too worried a bit about that but we've had numerous trees fall along roadways in this area and to my knowledge, no harm has been done except to temporarily slow the traffic a bit.
In my region they aren't taking them down to try and stop the EAB. They are taking them down so the wood can be used as lumber and at worst firewood. I couple state parks are clearing them out and selling them to mills. Its a few bucks the parks can use to make improvements or help offset funding deficiencies.
Are they doing 'selective cutting,' only removing the ash, or taking everything while they're at it? Forestry practices around here are such that clearcutting seems the only method these days!
I wouldn't call keeping trees off powerlines a waste of money, those same people who think it's a waste would be the first to bitch when the power goes off because of a fallen tree. The places (towns & one small city) that have taken the ash down did for the safety of the citizens, that's not a waste of money. The power company has put a bunch of money in new lines,poles and trimming back any of the trees underneath or near the lines in our area, in my opinion it's well worth the money.
There lies one of the big problems. The power companies are not at all interested in keeping trees of power lines. Perhaps it is different out there and I hope so. 1
They are using heavy equipment so under brush and saplings are taking a beating. I didn't see it before they started, but once they are done an area there is a good amount of mature trees, mainly maples, oaks and hickories left to flourish.
They’re doing their best in my area. It’s a tight rope to walk. Take down too many trees and the people get mad. Don’t take down enough trees and the people get mad They’re also regulated by the legislature to a degree in my area. Before a rate hike they need permission (I think) So to pay for the expensive cleanup they need to charge the customers. I’m guessing they got permission because my bill went way up. What irks me is the power company does the lines on a state road and then the state comes behind them and knocks down everything. Makes no sense to have two outfits working the same trees.
