At Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA), we understand that tree trimming and brush removal within electric utility easements might not seem particularly exciting at first glance. However, when you see our dedicated crew working in your community to create tree and brush “no-grow zones” around our electric infrastructure, it's a clear sign that MVEA is actively taking steps to maintain a safe and reliable electric distribution system.
Our diligent tree trimming crew is continuously at work, trimming trees to prevent outages, mitigate wildfire risks, and ensure system reliability. Keeping power lines clear of overhanging branches is essential, as falling trees or branches can cause outages and, depending on their weight, can inflict significant damage on our infrastructure.
To ensure the safety of our power lines, our crew works meticulously to trim branches overhead. They also clear brush and undergrowth to prevent any upward growth into our lines, ensuring safety and reliability. Safety remains our top priority at MVEA, and our tree trimming crew exemplifies this by coning off their working areas and wearing fire-resistant and high-visibility clothing, along with personal protective equipment.
MVEA’s tree trimming operations employ a variety of specialized equipment. Our large bucket truck, weighing approximately 34,000 pounds, can extend up to 70 feet into the air, allowing it to reach and trim high branches. When the bucket truck can't access certain trees, our crew, certified climbers, physically climb the trees to complete the job safely and effectively.
Once the tree limbs are cut down, our crew processes them by disposing of them into the truck bin, chipping them into mulch, and transporting the mulch to our Falcon office yard. There, members can stop by and pick up the mulch for free and the rest is left to biodegrade.
Jason Covak, an experienced MVEA tree trimmer, emphasizes that the primary goal of tree trimming is to keep the power on for our members. He encourages members to report any tree limbs that appear to be dangerously close to power lines to MVEA. According to Jason, a busy day might see the crew filling two full truck bins, which equates to about 18,000 pounds of debris. He advises members with overhead lines near trees on their property to regularly check for hazardous branches.
Sam Dahlstrom, another skilled MVEA tree trimmer, highlights the importance of considering tree health when trimming. He stresses that proper trimming and pruning techniques are crucial to avoid damaging the trees and to ensure their health. Sam’s favorite part of his job is climbing and cutting trees, finding it both fun and challenging.
In addition to MVEA crews, Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and Arbol Tree Service & Landscaping, LLC have been contracted to help with tree trimming and brush removal in the MVEA easements. MVEA requires that trees be planted far enough away from all vaults and above-ground equipment. At maturity, a minimum 20-foot diameter around the equipment must be maintained to ensure access, and nothing should be growing underneath the lines except for grass
At MVEA, our proactive tree trimming practices are a testament to our commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable electric distribution system. By staying vigilant and taking these necessary precautions, we continue to provide our members with the dependable service they expect and deserve.