What you need to knowFall is planting season, if you are landscaping near DP&L equipment keep these three simple steps in mind:
- Choose the right tree – Trees come in all shapes and sizes and often change dramatically over time. Before selecting your tree make sure you know how tall and wide it will be at maturity. For more information, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation.
- Find the right spot – Where you plant is equally important. Take the time to consider the location that will include shade for your home and allow access to electric equipment.
- Put safety first – Call before you dig to prevent injury and damage to underground electrical, gas and other utility lines. Call the Ohio Utility Protection Service (OUPS) at 800-362-2764.
If you have mature trees on your property, inspect them annually and after strong storms.
For the safety of yourself and others, here are a few things to look for when inspecting your trees:
- Large, dead or detached branches
- Cavities, rotten wood or cracks and splits along the trunk or major branches may provide an entrance for wood-rotting organisms
- Wires in contact with tree branches
- A pronounced lean or a tree with several major branches from one point in the trunk
- Root damage from installing pavement, repairing sidewalks or digging trenches can weaken a tree
- Heaving soil at the base of a tree is a potential indicator of an unsound root system
- Dead leaves at the top of trees are usually a result of environmental or mechanical root stress whereas twisted or curled leaves may indicate a viral infection or insect infestation
If you see any of these signs, call your landscape professional or tree care expert. They can quickly determine if the symptom poses a real threat and identify the next steps.
Impressive impact2015 was the inaugural year for Right Tree Right Place and benefits were seen throughout the Miami Valley. Over 250 utility-friendly trees were distributed, including 100 cherry trees which were planted in neighborhoods that had seen significant loss of ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
What is a utility-friendly tree?
Utility-friendly trees are small, reaching 18 feet (to accommodate the lowest point in the power line span) or less at maturity. They are a safe solution to potential conflicts between power lines and urban trees.
DP&L also awarded $100,000 in environmental grants to two communities that have the Tree City USA designation to beautify community spaces and enhance landscaping following the Right Tree Right Place best practices.
“DP&L has been maintaining the reliability of residents’ electric systems and existing landscaping by annually trimming along 2,100 miles of overhead distribution power lines and routinely checking on the condition of lines through helicopter inspections,” says Kabel. “We wanted to find a new way to be involved in the long-term well-being of our community and our residents, which is why we started Right Tree, Right Place.”
Get involvedResidents are encouraged to visit local garden centers to learn more about proper planting; your local arborist can guide you through the selection and planting process. Ask your garden center or area nature preserve for a DP&L Right Tree Right Place brochure. Watch the DP&L website for upcoming tree giveaways. Communities are also invited to apply for a $50,000 DP&L Environmental Grant. For eligibility and requirements click here.
“DP&L is committed to protecting the environment and our neighbors,” says Kabel.