At Expert Tree Service, we understand the importance of maintaining your trees while ensuring the safety and reliability of your electric service. If you’re a Central Hudson customer, you may be aware that they offer their own tree trimming and removal services for trees that threaten electric service. In this blog post, we’re going to go over the services that Central Hudson offers and how to decide whether to contact them, or to hire us for your tree trimming needs.
Central Hudson’s Vegetation Management Program
Central Hudson offers what’s called a “vegetation management program” throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. They practice what’s known as directional pruning, which involves cutting branches where they join another branch or the trunk. This method maintains a natural appearance and reduces the risk of disease, fungus, or insect infestation.
This style of pruning is used to keep lines clear along:
- Local Roadways: Central Hudson performs routine line clearance along local roadways, ensuring a 10-foot clearance from power lines, removing overhanging limbs, and clearing undergrowth. This is crucial for maintaining system reliability, especially during winter when snow and ice can cause branches to interfere with lines.
- Transmission Corridors: For transmission corridors, Central Hudson’s Long Range Vegetation Management Plan mandates the removal of all non-compatible, tall-growing tree species within easements and the removal of hazardous trees outside the easements, with property owner permission.
When to Contact Central Hudson vs. Expert Tree Service
While Central Hudson provides essential services to protect electric lines, there are situations where hiring Expert Tree Service may be more beneficial:
- Trees Not Threatening Power Lines: If your trees are not near power lines but need trimming or removal for health, safety, or aesthetic reasons, we can help. We offer comprehensive tree care services tailored to your needs.
- Service Wire Clearing: Service wires are the wires that connect from the utility pole to your home. Central Hudson does NOT offer tree trimming related to these wires. However, we can coordinate with Central Hudson to safely disconnect and reconnect power lines during the tree trimming or removal process.
- Regular Maintenance and Health: Regular trimming for tree health and maintenance is outside the scope of Central Hudson’s services. Our certified arborists can assess and care for your trees, ensuring they remain healthy and beautiful even if they’re along a local roadway.
- Storm Debris Removal: After a storm, while Central Hudson will clear trees to restore power, but they do not remove debris.
Why Choose Expert Tree Service?
Understanding the tree removal services offered by Central Hudson can help you make informed decisions about tree care on your property. While Central Hudson focuses on maintaining electric service reliability, Expert Tree Service is here for all your other tree care needs. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experts help keep your trees healthy and your property safe.