Please be advised that Oakville Hydro has retained the Town of Oakville's Urban Forestry section to carry out regular scheduled tree maintenance in various neighbourhoods abutting hydro lines. For residents with hydro lines located in their rear lots, staff will need to gain access through your property to the Hydro easement. When possible, we will notify homeowners before entering the property.
2010 affected areas map (pdf, 181 kB)
Starting in January and continuing through April 2010, Oakville residents may notice forestry staff pruning trees near hydro lines. This maintenance ensures the safety and security of the hydro supply by establishing necessary clearances between hydro wires and any trees in the immediate proximity. The following are examples of trees that require maintenance; branches contacting hydro lines by wind, branch failure, and low limbs allowing a child to climb near the conductors.
It is possible that sap may run from the ends of pruned branches of birch and maple trees. Please do not be alarmed, as this will not cause injury to the trees. Some hazardous trees may have to be removed as a last resort when there are no alternative techniques such as pruning, cabling, or wrapping to minimize safety concerns.
Proper and healthy natural method of tree maintenance: pruning-to-branch laterals
Side pruning - cut back or remove side branches threatening the conductors.
Under pruning - remove limbs beneath the tree crown to allow wires to pass below the tree canopy.
Through pruning - remove branches within the crown to allow lines to pass through the tree. This method is best suited for secondaries and other coated lines.
Under normal growth conditions, trees beside hydro wires will not be pruned for another three years.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
Richard Jean, I.S.A. Certified Utility Arborist
Supervisor of Urban Forestry Services
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3354
forestry@oakville.ca
Mark Cybulski
System Control Supervisor
Oakville Hydro
905-825-9400, ext. 2338
hydro@oakvillehydro.com
www.oakvillehydro.com
