Tree Trimming

In 2024, Cloverland’s contractors, Asplundh, LLC and Tree’s Inc., will clear rights of ways along high voltage power lines. A total of 500 miles are scheduled for 2024 in the following townships:

District A: Moran, Brevort, St. Ignace, Trout Lake, Pickford, Rudyard, Kinross, Clark and Marquette Townships
District B: Dafter Township
District C: Pentland, McMIllan, Lakefield and Columbus Townships

Tree care professionals contracted by Cloverland Electric Cooperative use ‘directional’ pruning techniques. These techniques were developed by the National Arborist Association and are published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Directional pruning removes entire branches and limbs back to the main trunk of the tree, where trees normally shed them. By using this practice, future tree growth is directed away from power lines and attached re-growth is minimized. Directional pruning takes advantage of strong points in the tree’s structure. Branches growing away from electric lines or facilities with adequate line clearance are usually left undisturbed. Directional pruning does not harm the tree’s natural defense systems and other natural processes that protect the tree from decay and aggressive re-sprouting.

Directionally pruned trees may appear misshapen. In the long run, however, such trees are less susceptible to pest and decay problems and less likely to drop branches and cause damage during storms. In fact, compared to other methods such as topping, stubbing, or pollarding, directional pruning is better for the protection of the tree’s health. Where severe pruning is necessary to obtain satisfactory clearance, the tree may be selected for removal.

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