'Undesireable' Tree Pruning in Fairway Estates Leaves Residents Frustrated

Recent pruning around power lines in Fairway Estates caused some residents to worry for their trees.

Branches from the neighborhood's majestic 200-plus-year-old live oaks were trimmed to give power lines plenty of clearance, creating a lopsided or unnatural appearance, residents said.

"It seems to be way beyond reason," one resident said. "Gorgeous trees are being destroyed."

Dunedin city arborist Art Finn inspected the trees in response to residents' concerns. He reported that power company line crews conducted most of the pruning properly and to industry standards. 

"I informed them of a few undesirable cuts that can be fixed in the next pruning cycle," he said.

Finn explained that power companies are required to prune around power lines and encouraged residents to get their trees examined, especially in preparation of hurricane season. 

The Fairway Estates residents' concerns prompted Dunedin Patch to ask Finn more about tree pruning and what residents should do with their concerns.

The following is a recent Q&A: 

Patch: Why do power companies trim trees? 

Finn: The number one reason is public safety. Trees are trimmed to help prevent power outages during storms. Trees and palms are the number one cause of power outages. Power is necessary for traffic lights and gas station operations as well as food refrigeration.   

Patch: Do they have a legal right and /or obligation to trim them?

Finn: Not only do they have a legal right, trimming of trees to prevent power outages is required by statutes and laws from the state and federal government.

Patch: Are there regulatory guidelines crews are supposed to follow?

Finn: Yes, all persons pruning trees near electric utility lines must be qualified by training that includes pruning techniques. They must understand the safety requirements outlined by OSHA and ANSI Z 133.1 which are the law. Trees are to be trimmed according to pruning guidelines specified in the "American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A300 Part 1: Tree, Shrub and other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices" (pruning). 

Patch: What can residents, who wish to be good stewards, do if they have questions about trees being cut on their street? 

Finn: Duke Energy is now placing door hanger notices to let residents know their trees are to be trimmed. Any questions about these procedures residents can call the Lewis Tree Representative Manuel Zambrano at 727-647-3421.

Residents can also call the City Arborist Art Finn at 727-298-3279 and he will come out and check the work being done by Lewis Tree, Inc. 

The City of Dunedin and Duke Energy are also interested in removing any palms trees that can short out the power lines. Please call the city arborist to have him come out and check the palm. A permission form must be signed for the palm to be removed. 

Residents are also encouraged to look closely at areas before you plant shade trees and palms for adequate power line clearance. When planting near power lines, only plant trees and palms that have a mature height of less than 25 feet. Plant the right tree in the right place.

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