Power Company "Trimming"

[Kevin]

Digging and trenching, cut the roots to trench and kill all the trees.
You can't beat proper pruning.

[Chet]

Exactly right, underground and otta sight. So folks think no damage done. 

[Ron Scott]

Most utility lines crossing National Forest system lands over the past 20-30 years have been required to be placed underground wherever possible. It's been pretty much the environmental standard for visual and aesthetic management. smiley_rainbow_colors

[wiam]

As a dirt worker and gaurdrail installer, I like them in the air where I can see when I take them out.

Will

[Chet]

Most utility lines crossing National Forest system lands over the past 20-30 years have been required to be placed underground wherever possible. It's been pretty much the environmental standard for visual and aesthetic management. smiley_rainbow_colors

I agree with your statement Ron, but find it strange that nobody seems to mind them barren wide strips of blacktop or gravel with shoulders brushed out on both sides through them same forests.   

[Dana]

My understanding on underground is that the maintainence is the land owners as well. If roots get in it or rocks, they pay for the repairs?

[Blake22]

Two years ago when we had all those huricanes here in Florida I saw a right-of-way crew in an upscale part of town trimming and leaving a heck of a mess. Nobody was bitching a day or two later when we had power during  8 hours of 75 mph+ winds. That month when I paid my power bill I sent a thank you note with my check. I don't know if it even got looked at but I was truly thankful for everything those guys did to keep our power on.

Also, I do some stump grinding for Progress Energy. From what I've seen if a customer asks nicely they do just about anything that is posible to keep the customer happy. I have seen rude customers put on the back burner.

[Kevin]

We dig sidewalks, driveways , roadways , lawns, and gardens to repair damaged plant, it ain't pretty. 
The sub would pay for buried power service repairs on their property, comm service is covered up to the house.

[Mr Mom]

     Just saw the trimmer truck go down the road at 7:30 this morning. The lines are on the other side of the road so they didnt cut any of my trees.

     Thanks Alot Mr Mom

[Frank_B]

First, I sincerely appreciate all the input on this thread - it really helps to understand all the different points of view.  I was especially interested in the discussion about underground powerlines - the power company is putting in a new mine-mouth power plant down the road apiece, and the folks along the main line coming out are up in arms, asking if the power company will bury the lines.  One guy is worried about health concerns, while most others are concerned about property value.  I don't know how it is done, but they're asking the power company to bury 350KV lines!!  I didn't know you could even do that!

I understand and appreciate the comments about "unfriendly" customers - even I can be a real PITA; however, I've not even had a chance to talk to the power company guy responsible for the area.  He called the house and left a message after I made the initial contact with the power company asking the "why so late in the year" question.  I've called back and given him both home and cell numbers, but nothing back from him...  oh well...

Again, thanks for the discussion - I've learned a lot.

R,
Frank

[ely]

when you put high voltage lines, 138,000 and up, in the ground it increases the cost several fold. the process is usually reserved for areas surrounding airports and such places.

[slowzuki]

Back in the day when the make work welfare crews did the right of way cutting, there was some scary stuff going on.  Slash cutting big trees and running to get out of the way etc.  Luckily our trees aren't too big