Trimming FAQs

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Q: Why does Black Hills Power trim trees?
A: Black Hills Power trims trees to improve power reliability. Although weather patters can affect the reliability of our power, tree trimming is bringing down the number of possible outages.

Q: How are trees trimmed?
A: The goal is to keep the trees healthy while making sure that they don't interfere with the power lines. We follow the lateral pruning method developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and approved by the National Arborists Association, National Arbor Day Foundation, and Metro Tree Ordinance. Lateral pruning makes the overall structure of the tree stronger and more resistant to high winds and heavy ice. Further growth is directed away from power lines. Black Hills Power does not "top" trees, also known as rounding over or shaping. Topping is discouraged by the National Arbor Day Foundation because it makes trees more susceptible to disease and insect problems. The degree to which a tree is trimmed depends on the tree species, voltage of power lines, and how close branches are to those lines.

See illustrations of lateral pruning below.

Before Trimming	After Trimming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The degree to which a tree is trimmed depends on several factors: the tree species, voltage of power lines, and how close branches are to those lines.

Q: Will I be notified of the tree trimming in my neighborhood?
A: Communication is a crucial element. You will receive an automated computer message on your phone before trimming begins. BHP will place a notice in the local newspaper. Then a work planner or crew leader will knock on your door and speak with you, or if you are not home they will leave a door hanger explaining that BHP or its contractor was there to perform needed trimming. You are encouraged to call the number on the door hanger should you have any questions.

Q: Who cleans up the debris after tree trimming?
A: Tree limbs debris is picked up and chipped the day trimming occurs. If there is weather or equipment problems that hinder debris removal, then the contractor will notify the property owner by knocking on the door or leaving a door hanger to let them know when they will return to finish cleaning up. BHP does not clean up hazard trees in rural areas of our system or if the property owner is OK with leaving the debris. BHP does not clean up debris after any storm operations.

Q: Will Black Hills Power ever cut down a tree?
A: Occasionally trees near our electric facilities should be removed rather than trimmed. If a tree is diseased, dying, storm-damaged, or likely to be severely deformed by required trimming, then BHP or our contractor must obtain written permission from the owner of the tree to remove it. Trees near service lines that run to individual home and businesses are the property owner’s responsibility and are not trimmed or removed.

Q: Does BHP use herbicides?
A: After BHP cuts down a tree that is known to resprouts (i.e., Siberian elm, silver maple, cottonwood, locust, etc.) we treat the cut stump with Garlon 4. BHP used certified contractors that treat our rights-of-way as part of our “Integrated Vegetation Management” (IVM) concepts.

Q: What is Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM)?
A: IVM is a methodology of using several techniques to manage our power lines rights-of-way. This may include mechanical equipment, manual work, and selective herbicides. The intent is to selectively control incompatible plant species while preserving low growing grasses, herbs and woody shrubs. With proper management, the low growing vegetation eventually dominates the right-of-way and retards the growth of the tall growing vegetation. This provides control of incompatible plants and reduces the need for future treatments. Studies show this type of meadow-like setting will enhance wildlife habitat by promoting vegetation preferred by birds, deer and other small animals.

The first step to creating a low growing plant community is to clear rights-of-way of tall growing and incompatible plant species. This is typically accomplished either mechanically or manually. However, cutting and mowing alone is ineffective because it encourages the biological response of re-sprouting. After clearing, right-of-ways are monitored for re-sprouting and reinvasion by incompatible vegetation. Once this occurs, the right-of-way is treated with specific herbicide mixes that only eliminates the woody regrowth. Many factors are considered before an appropriate method is chosen and implemented

Q: Why aren't more lines underground?
A: Burying lines is about 5 to 6 times more expensive than placing them overhead, and underground lines require more space than overhead lines. Repairing faulted underground lines can take much more time to restore than overhead lines.

Q: Where should I plant trees to avoid future problems?
A: Trees grow to varying heights. Before planting, visualize the height and spread of the tree in relation to nearby power lines. Also, for your safety, don't plant trees or large shrubs within 10 feet of a utility pole or pad mount transformer.

Mature Tree Height	Distance from Power Lines
25 feet or less	10 feet
25 feet to 50 feet	35 feet
50 feet or more	45 feet

Q: Can BHP legally access my property and trim trees?
A: According to SDCL §49-34A-79 – a South Dakota state law authorizes public utilities or electric utilities to remove certain obstructions that may impair its operations.

SDCL §49-34A-79:  Any public utility or electric utility as defined in §49-34A-1 and any utility operated by any political subdivision of the state may remove or alter any vegetation or other material if the utility determines that such removal or alteration is reasonably necessary for the safe repair, use, operation, or maintenance of the utility's electric or gas transmission or distribution lines.

Q: Who can I contact for tree trimming related questions?
A: Call our Vegetation Management Department at 605-721-2271.

Know Your Utility Lines
Electric lines are usually located at the top of the pole, farthest from the ground. Cable TV and telephone lines run closer to the ground, below power lines. Contact your local cable and phone utilities to receive information about trimming requirements or any problems with these lines.

Never attempt to trim any vegetation near power lines
Only specially trained and approved line-clearing professionals should work around power lines.

Trees and storms
Scheduled, consistent tree trimming can help minimize power outages that may result from a storm. BHP does not clean up trees and limbs downed during a storm. When damage does occur and restoration efforts require the removal of trees or limbs from power lines, the debris will be left in as safe a manner as possible.

Storm safety
When a power outage occurs, your safety is our main concern. Here are some basic tips to keep you and your family safe while the power is out:

• Assume all cables and wires are energized and stay away.
• Keep away from flooded and debris-laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines.
• Avoid driving in damaged areas. You might interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your own safety.
• Report downed power lines by calling BHP in the Rapid City area 721-2475 or outside the area
  toll-free number 1-800-839-8197

Clearance Specifications
230kV transmission power lines	35 feet, or to the nearest lateral branch, on each side of the outer most conductors
69kV sub-transmission power lines	25 feet, or to the nearest lateral branch, on each side of the outer most conductors
Below 69kV distribution power lines	15 to 20 ft for fast-growing trees (i.e., Siberian elm, boxelder, silver maple); 10 ft, or to the nearest lateral branch, is the standard minimum approach distance for unqualified personnel
Service lines, secondaries, & street light wires	1 to 3 feet of clearance