Press Release - 04/30/2009

BPU Annouces Tree Trimming Locations

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU) announces that tree trimming by the utility will concentrate on a new area during the next eight weeks. Tree trimming workers will operate within the boundaries of Forest Avenue, City View and the Foote Avenue/Arterial.

The BPU and the utility’s contractor, Asplundh, work continuously to trim or remove trees throughout the BPU service territory in an attempt to minimize the number of electrical outages caused by tree branches contacting power lines.

The BPU’s trimming is performed according to guidelines established by tree specialists in order to avoid potentially hazardous situations created when branches come close to or actually touch utility power lines. Trees and power lines can co-exist and potential conflicts can be avoided by selecting and planting trees with size and growth characteristics appropriate to their locations.

Tree branches contacting electrical wires are one of the main reasons for power outages, not just in our community but all over the world. The Jamestown Parks Department, the Board of Public Utilities and the utility's contractor, Asplundh are working to trim trees throughout the BPU service territory. The Parks Department has identified trees that are sick or dying and marked them for removal and tree trimming crews are trimming away branches in an attempt to minimize the number of electrical outages caused by limbs touching power lines. Please be assured that the trimming away from power lines is performed following guidelines established by tree specialists. When a tree's branches come close to or actually touch utility power lines, a potentially hazardous situation is created. Trees and power lines can coexist and potential conflicts can be avoided by selecting and planting trees with size and growth characteristics appropriate to their location. Everyone should avoid planting trees under or near existing power lines.

Through or "V" pruning literally creates a branch free hole through the tree's canopy, preserving its overall structure and beauty while allowing utility wires to pass through.

Side pruning is often done when a tree is located close beside utility lines. When carefully done the lines remain clear and much of the trees canopy can be retained.

The lower branches of large trees can be pruned to remove branches that may interfere with utility lines. By carefully removing lower branches from all sides of the tree, a balanced natural appearance can be maintained.