A utility arborist manages vegetation around power lines and utility facilities, including predicting and controlling growth, trimming excess growth, and working with the community on safe landscaping. They assess emergency situations and develop plans to address them, regularly patrol facilities, and work on site planning and preparation. They prioritize environmental health and human safety and may assist the public with landscaping near easements.
A utility arborist addresses concerns about vegetation around power lines, telephone lines and other utility facilities. Work includes predicting and controlling growth, trimming excess growth, and working with people in the community on safe landscaping activities. Utilities typically prefer candidates with botanical and vegetation management experience, as well as high voltage training, so they can safely work around power lines while maintaining the health of trees and vegetation. Some technical schools offer courses designed to prepare students to become a utility arborist.
Utilities can maintain teams for this, or they can hire the service to other companies. When problems are reported with vegetation very close to utility facilities, including trees downed by storms, arborists report to the scene. They assess the situation and develop a plan to address it, which may include trimming, felling entire trees, or working with a landowner to improve vegetation management. This is a particular concern with powerlines, which can be dangerous to bypass if surrounded by heavy trees.
In addition to responding to emergency situations, a utility arborist also regularly patrols the facility to monitor it. This can include scheduling routine maintenance on trees and shrubs to keep them in check. When utilities explore new sites for facilities, arborists can be part of the site planning and preparation process. Site preparation work may involve working with an assessor to determine the environmental impact of performing services in a given area, considering the required clearance and other issues that may arise.
Vegetation clearing needs to be done with environmental health and human safety in mind. Removing trees and shrubs can create an erosion risk, as well as damage animal habitat and create an unsightly facility. The utility arborist works to develop a plan that does not harm the environment, keeping lines clean for safety. This may include establishing plantations of more easily controlled vegetation to limit the growth of aggressive invasive species.
Members of the public may work with a utility arborist if they are near an easement. A representative can provide advice and assistance on cutting trees and establishing landscaping. Some utility companies may encourage people to contact them if they want landscaping in or around an easement, to ensure they select appropriate vegetation and keep the area accessible for line crews. Utilities can remove inappropriate plantings on an easement if they pose a risk to workers or lines.
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