Tree pruning under power lines too severe says engineer | Photos

Robert Alford, who has an extensive background in electrical engineering and power line design, said contractors for Essential Energy were cutting too much out of trees around town.

He has called on Essential Energy to work closer with Orange City Council.

“At the moment it is looking pretty disastrous,” he said.

“Essential Energy has a job to do but they have some degree of responsibility for the aesthetics of the town.”

Mr Alford said it appeared the trees were being cut back more to reduce the need for annual pruning.

“They are trying to eliminate the yearly action,” he said.

He said Essential Energy should look at other methods including ‘bundling conductors’ where the separate power lines were bundled together or putting more lines underground.

“The technology is not new, it is a practical solution,” he said.

“There is a cost [for bundling] but it is cheaper than undergrounding.

“Trees have always been a problem as long as I can remember, trees under power lines seem to grow a lot better.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said council officers met regularly with Essential Energy to discuss the pruning.

He said following an incident this month regarding the serious pruning of Orange’s Lone Pine tree another meeting was planned for next month.

“Our next meeting will discuss certain species of trees and certain avenues of trees. Is there a way we can do it better?”

Cr Kidd said he preferred less pruning.

He said he was happy to meet Mr Alford to discuss his suggestions.

Essential Energy regional manager Northern, Mark Summers said the vegetation clearances used by the contractors followed NSW standards.

“Essential Energy aims to trim vegetation near its network in Orange annually and consulted with Orange City Council prior to the works,” he said.

“Like most electricity distribution companies in Australia, Essential Energy uses directional pruning techniques that remove branches growing towards a power line and encourage re-growth away from the power network.

READ MORE: Chainsaw massacre: Outrage over six large trees cut down for firewood at picnic area | Video

“While this can affect visual amenity, these techniques are consider best practice throughout the arboriculture industry.

“Essential Energy’s comprehensive vegetation management program aims to strike a balance between preserving vegetation, maintaining the streetscape and ensuring power safety and reliability for the community.”