Before we get into the specifics of vegetation management, it’s best to understand what we mean by vegetation itself. Vegetation is a collection of plant species in an area, usually forming a habitat, which fosters the diversity of plants and the living organisms they support within an area.
Within this context, it’s understandable that vegetations are of great importance to landowners and those inhabitants within the surrounding communities alike. When human activity requires the mix of unnatural infrastructure with vegetation habitats, vegetation management ensures a healthy and happy integration considerate of all needs.
One more common area of need for vegetation management is utility networks. As humans spread across more and more land, the need for utility lines increases - as do the dangers that surround them.
Trees are one of the more common vegetations that need to be worked around due to their growing branches and tendency to be thrown around or even knocked over during extreme weather. A simple thunderstorm or windy day can lead to power outages, fires, and countless other opportunities for danger.
To decrease the likelihood of these dangers, utility companies strategically manage how their infrastructures and vegetation can best coexist. These agreed-upon management policies and measures are embedded in the bigger picture of utility vegetation management to minimize and eliminate many of the foreseen challenges, proactively.
Utility Vegetation Management: What It Means
Utility vegetation management is the assessment, intervention, and management of vegetation growth to prevent its adverse interaction with utility infrastructure.
Why Utility Vegetation Management?
In addition to it being the best way to ensure sustainable practice and social compliance, the alternative can lead to safety and cost risks that are astronomical.
In August 2003, North America experienced the most distressing power outage in its history.
It affected close to 50 million people across Canada and the United States, and was discovered to be the result of a few unkempt trees growing into power lines and causing a chain reaction across hundreds of miles of power transmissions.
And while that’s an extreme example - it’s far from uncommon. Vegetation encroachment is proven to be one of the top reasons for unplanned electricity outages.
Fortunately, preventive measures can be taken that do not destroy the vegetation while protecting the integrity of utility infrastructures.
In addition to preventing power outages, there are a lot of reasons to introduce strategic vegetation management into every aspect of utility management.
To Combat the Possibility of Fire Outbreak
There are several utilities with high ignition affinity and when vegetation or trees make contact with these utilities it can lead to a fire outbreak.
As well, when trees get taller than the power lines, they can fall and bring down the lines, causing sparks which may lead to a fire outbreak.
Eases Utility Inspection
It’s a norm that utility companies do an inspection and maintenance of their equipment and lines. However, when vegetation encroaches, it can obstruct the sight lines for engineers making issues difficult to identify, and potentially unmaintained.
Eradicate Habitats of Wildlife
Vegetation creates a habitat for wildlife. When vegetation isn’t controlled, especially in proximity to utility infrastructures, wildlife can creep on the facilities and damage them.
Proper management will keep animals away and the situation under control.
Improve Conditions For Utilities
Vegetation can add extra moisture to utilities when in contact, or even increase or decrease the heat and humidity surrounding outdoor utilities. All these can interfere with the proper running of the facilities.
Utility vegetation management maintains the right ventilation and coverage based on each system’s needs.
To keep a handle on wildlife, wildfires, and wild animals vegetation management is a top priority, our team of experts can increase your vegetation management. Schedule a meeting with us and you’ll see why we are the most reliable and successful utility vegetation management company in the industry. Contact us today!