In March of this year, a large spruce tree in the Okanagan area fell during a windstorm, narrowly missing a Naramata home. The homeowners, Allan Horwood, expressed frustration as they had predicted this incident after the tree was heavily trimmed by FortisBC five months prior, causing it to lean towards their house. This incident highlights concerns about the safety of tree trimming near power lines, as more residents are reporting similar issues. Utility companies trim trees near power lines for safety reasons, but this can lead to safety concerns for residents, as seen in this case.
Residents in Kelowna’s Lower Mission neighborhood have also reported heavily pruned trees, with one resident stating that a tree was pruned so much it now resembles a sail. The pruning of trees near or on private properties can lead to potential dangers, such as trees falling onto houses during strong winds. A certified arborist from Ninja Tree Services in Kelowna, Callum Crowley, explains that heavily pruning trees can introduce decay and make them susceptible to wind and snow loads. He advises regular inspection of trimmed trees to prevent future problems that may arise due to the pruning.
In response to concerns raised by homeowners, FortisBC stated that they recognize the importance of trees in the environment and the concerns raised by the community about tree management near power lines. The company uses certified, third-party arborists for tree trimming, and if a tree’s branches are within five meters of power lines, contractors will prune them to avoid the need for trimming for at least five years. Trees are only pruned to ensure public safety, prevent power outages, and reduce wildfire risks. Property owners are encouraged to plant trees a safe distance away from power infrastructure and can hire a utility-certified arborist to trim trees away from power lines to prevent the need for trimming by utility companies.
The incidents of trees falling near homes due to heavy pruning by utility companies have raised concerns among residents and arborists. Crowley explains that pruning trees heavily can cause rapid regrowth, making the limbs more likely to fail during strong winds. Homeowners like Horwood are calling for resolution in cases where trees have been heavily pruned, leading to safety concerns. FortisBC has responded by stating that they will review their tree management practices internally and take into account the concerns raised by the community about tree trimming near power lines.
The increase in incidents of heavily pruned trees falling near homes highlights the need for careful and strategic tree trimming practices by utility companies to ensure public safety. The trimming of trees near power lines is necessary to prevent power outages and reduce wildfire risks, but it can lead to potential dangers for residents if not done properly. Residents are encouraged to hire utility-certified arborists to trim trees away from power lines and avoid the need for utility companies to intervene. Regular inspection of trimmed trees is also advised to prevent future problems that may arise due to pruning. Overall, the incidents in the Okanagan region serve as a reminder of the importance of proper tree trimming practices for the safety of residents and the environment.
