2024 Tree Trimming & Cape George Rd Work
The PUD has budgeted $1M for tree trimming and tree removal efforts in 2024. Trimming and tree removal near utility lines plays a big role in providing reliable power to our customers.
Trees are our number one cause of outages, with approximately 90 percent of tree-related outages being caused by trees growing outside of the utility right-of-way. Trees growing too close to power lines can cause outages, start fires or create other hazardous conditions.
Jefferson PUD’s tree trimming policy is available here. The policy covers ways to report danger trees, planting considerations and responsibilities by home owners, and trimming and removal methods used.
Please consider the overall size of any tree being planted near a utility corridor. Canopy coverage can easily extend into power lines causing outages, or even allowing the tree to become energized! Avoid planting trees within 5′ of a utility pole. If a tree is located within this space, ensure it is trimmed under 8′ tall to avoid potentially dangerous contact.
Trees not only impact above-ground services, but underground as well. Understanding vegetation maximum size (including roots) is essential to planting. Please do not plant vegetation within 3′ of either side of a pad mounted transformer (large green utility box), or 10′ in front of or behind. This allows adequate safe space for line crew to access the transformer for service.
Trimming & Removal Underway
PUD contractor, Kemp West Inc., will begin work along Cape George Road beginning January 2nd and ending approximately March 8th. PUD staff work to identify areas prone to tree-related outages to identify high-need locations for trimming. The PUD has nearly 400 miles of overhead distribution line throughout the county.
Trimming efforts in and around the power space is delicate work, and safety is essential for our contract crews. Please be alert to crew on or near the roadway along Cape George Rd. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and flaggers will be present.
Vegetation management questions? Please contact Scott Bancroft at sbancroft@jeffpud.org
