VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
Trees and high-voltage power lines are a hazardous combination. Tree interference with transmission lines is a leading cause of electric power outages and poses a safety threat to the public and our employees. Moreover, our society depends upon electricity and the loss of power can bring daily life to a halt. To manage vegetation near high voltage powerlines, ITC adopts integrated vegetation management to protect reliability and safety.
OUR APPROACH TO VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
Selective removal of incompatible species in urban, suburban, and rural transmission corridors is the cornerstone of our vegetation management program. These efforts make space for stable grass, wildflower and low-growing shrub communities to thrive while maintaining safe operation, inspection, and repairs.
Having adopted ANSI standards surrounding integrated vegetation management (IVM), ITC takes into account existing biological, ecological, cultural resources, economic factors while following applicable laws and regulations. As an electrical utility, integrated vegetation management techniques are multifaceted approaches to keep transmission equipment free of large woody plants and trees to maintain reliability that protects the public and our employees.
Our International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists and other trained field staff routinely inspect our corridors on a site-by-site basis and identify both compatible and incompatible species. Based on these site inspections, they recommend appropriate IVM methods. They are available to discuss individual questions or concerns with residents and can be scheduled by calling the ITC Customer Line which can be found via the Contact Us link at the top of the page.
NATURAL GREENWAYS
ITC’s holistic approach to vegetation management results in safe and reliable transmission corridors that can foster stable and diverse greenways for people and wildlife – along with decreased environmental and property disturbance.
RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE
ITC appreciates that tree removal can be a sensitive issue for property owners. The safety of residents and reliability of the transmission system are our top priorities. ITC works with residents to help them understand what kinds of plants and shrubs can be safely established near transmission lines, and the right places for trees. Under our “Right Tree, Right Place” program, we hold site selection education events in communities to complement property owner management and help prevent tree interference with transmission lines.
COMPATIBLE PLANTINGS LIST WITH PHOTOS
SUBURBAN COMPATIBLE PLANTING YARD ILLUSTRATIONS
RESIDENTIAL COMPATIBLE PLANTINGS YARD ILLUSTRATION
COMMERCIAL COMPATIBLE PLANTINGS YARD ILLUSTRATION
RURAL COMPATIBLE PLANTINGS YARD ILLUSTRATION
PLANTING TREES TO CONSERVE ENERGY
Planting the right tree in the right place can help conserve energy by providing wind protection, shade and cool air. This can add beauty, privacy and wildlife habitat to the landscape while also protecting the safety and reliability of the transmission system. The link below provides tips on landscaping for energy conservation.
PREVENTING OAK WILT
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects oak trees by impairing the flow of water and nutrients between the tree’s canopy and roots, causing infected trees’ leaves to wilt and turn brown. This disease kills thousands of oak trees each year in forests and communities.
As a good steward of the environment, ITC’s vegetation management program is aligned with state and industry best practices to prevent the spread of the disease. ITC observes each state’s recommended oak wilt practices and oak trees that must be pruned or removed during the oak wilt protection period for safety or emergencies are treated with an industry approved sealant to help prevent Oak Wilt from entering a freshly cut limb. Additional information can be found in our oak wilt brochure found in the link below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DOES ITC REMOVE TREES INSTEAD OF TRIM THEM?
ITC has adopted an approach that calls for removal of incompatible vegetation in order to maintain the safety of the public and reliability of the transmission system. ITC identifies and removes incompatible trees that can grow to the point of interfering with transmission lines, whereas trimming such trees often stimulates aggressive new growth. Proactive removal of these species and the encouragement of compatible vegetation is a long-term approach that fosters stable and sustainable transmission corridors.
WHY DOES ITC NEED ACCESS TO MY PROPERTY?
ITC needs access to your property, granted through utility easements, in order to perform necessary maintenance work and other activities to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of power to your community.
HOW CAN I VERIFY THE RIGHTS ITC HAS ON MY PROPERTY?
Recorded easement information can be obtained from the county register of deeds or county clerk offices. This information can also be found in the title work associated with your property.
HOW WILL I KNOW ITC IS PLANNING VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY?
Our ways of communicating vegetation management plans to residents and communities include placement of door tag hangers, personal contact and printed notices about individual sites where maintenance is needed.
HOW OFTEN DOES ITC RETURN TO PERFORM VEGETATION WORK?
Existing and potential new vegetation, and their growth rates, vary across locations. Our routine monitoring allows us to schedule appropriate work as needed to maintain electric reliability and public safety.
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