Vegetation management ensures reliable electricity

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Posted on May 04 2025 in Harrison REMC
Spraying trees

Herbicide spraying is crucial in maintaining the vegetation within electric utility rights-of-way (ROWs). These ROWs are clear corridors beneath power lines that must be kept free from excessive plant growth to ensure the reliability and safety of the electrical infrastructure. Herbicides are often applied selectively to control the growth of unwanted vegetation, preventing interference with power lines and reducing the risk of outages caused by vegetation-related issues. Using herbicides in this context is a cost-effective and efficient method, providing a targeted approach to vegetation management that minimizes environmental impact compared to mechanical alternatives.

Effective herbicide spraying programs in electric utility ROWs require careful planning and adherence to environmental regulations. Integrated vegetation management strategies aim to balance the need for vegetation control with ecological considerations, promoting the growth of low-growing, non-intrusive plant species. Regular monitoring and assessment are essential to determine the appropriate herbicide application timing and dosage, ensuring optimal results while mitigating potential adverse effects. The careful implementation of herbicide spraying in electric utility ROWs contributes to the sustained functionality of power infrastructure, enhancing both reliability and safety.

This summer, we will apply herbicide south of Corydon to Lickford Bridge Road and the Ramsey area. If you have an area that you don’t want herbicide sprayed on, you can call the office and let us know or simply put up a sign on your property that says, “No spray.” When they see these signs, our contractors know not to spray these areas. ProtecTerra will perform this work for us.