Tree Pruning Information

Areas Affected in 2010

IMPORTANT NOTICE

December 19, 2009

Dear Customer:

Oakville Hydro has retained The Town of Oakville, Urban Forestry Services to carry out regular scheduled tree maintenance in your neighbourhood. In order to complete all areas in the allotted time the Town of Oakville will need to contract the help of private specialized tree experts. During this time these private contractors will be trimming your trees with the same care and precision as the Town’s Urban Forestry Service.

The work will take place this winter (2010) to ensure 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.

Qualified forestry staff, certified in the Trade of Arborist, will ensure that the health and overall well-being of the trees is respected. For rear lot customers, where the hydro lines are located in rear lots, staff will need to gain access through your property to the Hydro easement.

Under normal growth conditions, trees beside the wires will not be pruned for another two or three years. 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. Unfortunately, some hazardous trees may have to be removed as a last resort when there are no alternative techniques such as pruning, cabling, or wrapping.

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.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact:

Richard Jean, I.S.A. Certified 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
trees@oakvillehydro.com