Northeast U.S. Based Utility
Davey Utility Solutions provides electric utility client with a more effective and efficient tree growth regulator (TGR) program for their New England South location.
The Challenge
It can be challenging to maintain vegetation around urban power lines efficiently while still preserving the aesthetic beauty and functionality of the urban forest. Our electric utility client based in the Northeast U.S. relies on tree growth regulators (TGR’s) to slow and control tree growth under power lines in a portion of a major New England city and adjacent college campus where municipal regulations restrict tree trimming activity.
The utility had been contracting TGR work out to a Midwest vendor. This vendor was only periodically available in the area, and keeping track of all trees slated for assessment and treatment over months proved to be a challenging task that raised administrative costs for the utility. The utility hoped to find a locally available consultant who could handle both the assessment and the treatment aspects of the project, so trees could be serviced on an as-needed basis without the need to collect and store additional data.
The Solution
Early in 2018, the utility approached Davey Resource Group about the possibility of providing TGR service on an as-needed basis.
DRG began providing this service in October 2018. DRG provides all assessment and follow-up assessment work, as well as supplying a proprietary tree growth regulator product. The local Davey Tree office then sends out a crew with a certified pesticide applicator to perform the chemical application as well as any tree trimming or related service as required.
The Results
The collaboration between DRG and local Davey offices is a time-saving solution for the client. Using local vendors eliminates the need to collect or store data while waiting for scheduled vendor visits. And Davey’s service and resource capability allow the utility to make a single phone call for assessment and treatment.