Requirements for Becoming a Tree Line USA Utility
1. Quality Tree Care
A. Work practices are formally adopted for pruning similar to methods described in "Pruning Trees Near Electric Utility Lines: A Field Pocket Guide For Qualified Line-Clearance Tree Workers" by Dr. Alex L. Shigo, and in compliance with ANSI A300. These practices avoid topping, tipping, removing branch collars and leaving long stubs. Each worker who performs line clearance, including contractor workers, has read and understands the field guide (or an equivalent one approved by your State Forester and the Foundation), follows its recommendations, and has a copy at every work site for quick reference.
B. Work practices are recommended for trenching and tunneling near trees similar to methods described in "Trenching and Tunneling Near Trees: A Field Pocket Guide for Qualified Workers" by Dr. James R. Fazio. These practices reduce the destruction of roots and injury to trees. The utility has provided educational information to its underground workers on proper trenching and tunneling such as copies of the Trenching and Tunneling Field Pocket Guide and the sample contract provisions.
2. Annual Worker Training
A. Annual documented training on following the work practices in Requirement 1A is carried out for all employees, contractor workers and supervisors who do pruning work for the utility.
B. An arborist, forester or other trained utility employee is designated by the utility to ensure that the training takes place and that the work practices are followed.
3. Tree Planting and Public Education
A. An ongoing community tree-planting program is sponsored by the utility. Utility employees may plant the trees, or the utility may fund tree planting by municipalities, volunteer groups or homeowners. It is suggested the utility work toward an annual expenditure of at least 10 cents per customer.
B. One or more mailings that include educational information about trees are made annually to all homeowner customers. Examples include:
- Appropriate tree species for planting near utility lines.
- How to create energy-efficient landscapes to reduce cooling and heating loads.
- Tips on how to prune trees safely.
C. Annual Arbor Day events are sponsored by or participated in by the utility.
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