Well not sure the logic behind this but, the county sent some people to trim some trees near my father in laws. About 2 years ago they trimmed the middles out to give room for the electric lines. I was a little upset because it is a gorgeous tree lined road with oak (maybe) and cedar trees, but at least they were still standing. Then about 2 weeks ago someone decided it would be a great idea to trim all the branches off just one side So of course this happened Going to be interesting to see if they just cut them all down now or come back after every storm to do the ones that fall. Going to try and see if I can get the wood, but I would imagine the landowner will be chomping at the bit to have them take care of it asap.
I'm at a loss as to why they didn't just cut that one down. Trimming the center out of the tree is a SOP compromise. We used to call it a city trim. The alternative is cut the tree down. Or I suppose keep the trees and loose your electrical service. Yeah the power company can be dicks!
Chances are the "crew" knew it was wrong, but the dink sitting in the office chair at the power Co. that they are contracted to…..
I'm so glad the power lines are on the opposite side of my road. I'd be pizzed if they left it like that, even if it had managed to stand for many years. Id rather have them finish the job the first time than leave me something looking like that!
I understand the line clearance mentality, but from a tree's health standpoint, it certainly doesn't make sense. I've been doing prunes and removals for over a decade and I can tell you I flat out refuse to do that kind of hack job to a tree. It's sad, but it's the way it goes when there's an easement or right-of-way involving electrical lines. Those contract companies don't want to deal with a full-blown removal.....they just want the lines cleared. Sad, if you ask me.
Some of you fellas and gals know I used to clear right of way for the power line. It's a tough spot to be in. Especially since I was just a little guy with a bucket truck, a few saws, chipper, grinder, and a couple Mexican helpers to call me bad names in spanish. Davey and Asplundh I was not! It's not an enviable position for those tree crews to be in. The electric co wants something and the homeowner wants something entirely different. I usually got swore at daily by home owners and was expected to smile on top of it. The power cos. I worked for (Consumers Energy now called Consumers Power, and Wolverine Power) would prefer trees like that come out to the roots. I liked the trees to come out because it was more billable hours for me too. If the home owner pitched a fit they got a city trim. Which usually leads to the tree weakening and eventually coming out anyway. I agree with Scott it is sad. The trees end up being an eye sore but it does abate outages. Keeping thousands of outages from turning into tens of thousands. At least it often leads to more BTU's for us horders! I wouldnt be surprised if the crews handler told them to do that so the tree would fall over and could be taken out.
