When it comes to tree trimming, Pepco — like many electric utilities — must follow specific guidelines. Only Pepco personnel can touch any tree within 10 feet of a power line, said Montgomery County spokeswoman Esther Bowring.
Similarly, Dominion Virginia Power is responsible for keeping the area near power lines in its areas of operation clear of vegetation, said spokeswoman Le-Ha Anderson. Dominion’s permitted sphere of influence is 15 feet from a power line in any direction and 50 feet from a distribution line.
| Miles to go … |
| Since January, Pepco has trimmed 768 miles of treeline in Maryland — 362 in Montgomery County and 406 in Prince George’s County. Of that, 229 miles were trimmed in June alone. By comparison, Pepco trimmed 150 miles of treeline in D.C. since January, 43 of which were trimmed in June. |
Both power companies look for trees that are rotted or decaying or have a weakened root system. They also check for species known to be hazardous near power lines.
Both companies employ arborists — Dominion even has an entire forestry department — to help them make the determinations.
However, Dolores Milmoe, Audubon’s Maryland Conservation associate, said Pepco has been cutting down trees with “no sign of internal decay whatsoever.”
Area politicians agree, with several Montgomery County Council members accusing the company of “butchering” trees.
“You can do a skilled cutting and accomplish the same thing,” said Councilman Marc Elrich, D-at large.
– Rachel Baye
