Trimming the Workload: Vegetation Assessment in the Field

Planning and assigning vegetation tasks, from tree trimming and spraying to growth inhibitor application or complete removal, has typically been an ad hoc process. Oftentimes force account labor and/or contractors are simply sent out to a feeder and instructed to 'start trimming'. Halter Tree Service has begun a process of pre-assessing vegetation management and creating vegetation unit cost work orders for WIN energy electric cooperative. This paper describes the process, the technology, and the savings associated with the second largest maintenance activity in most utilities