This work is intended to maintain transmission safety and reliability along these transmission lines which carry power from our generation plants to electrical substations throughout North and Northwest Austin, similar to the substations at the intersections of Northland Dr and Steck at MoPac.
Our approach is to remove fast growing, tall, incompatible tree species, in most cases chinaberry & hackberry trees, beneath the 138,000 volt transmission lines to provide 25 to 30 feet clearance from the transmission lines, at maximum sag, for a four to five year maintenance cycle. Trees which can not be trimmed to maintain a safe and viable tree will be evaluated for removal. Dead trees that may present a hazard beneath transmission lines will be evaluated for removal for safety.
Fortunately, the larger, desirable native trees, such as the live oaks and cedar elms, in most cases, can be effectively pruned to provide adequate clearance. These desirable trees will benefit from the removal of the invasive species which compete for sunlight and soil moisture.
We will retain low-growing, compatible trees and other vegetation, as screening vegetation and buffer, to fill in the right of way (for example, live oak, redbud, mesquite, soapberry, huisache, grape vines, selected wax leaf ligustrum, etc). Our crews will take care in removing overtopping trees so that they do not damage understory, screening vegetation.
We recognize the value the vegetation provides as a buffer to the neighborhood from Mopac and the RR tracks, therefore we’ll maintain as much low-growing vegetation as possible which is compatible with our need for safe clearances from the power lines overhead. By selectively removing certain incompatible, exotic or invasive species from the overstory, the residual native understory vegetation is released from overtopping competition to form a buffer that’s compatible with our overhead lines.
During this work, Austin Energy and our contractor, Asplundh, will maintain on-site supervision to oversee the Asplundh crews performing the work.
This work is separate from another tree maintenance project where property owners are now being contacted regarding tree work near the distribution lines on wooden poles in parts of the neighborhood. Much of our vegetation maintenance work will also benefit distribution line reliability and safety beneath our transmission facilities along Great Northern Blvd.
Previous transmission tree trimming maintenance was last performed in Fall, 2004, with good results and favorable neighborhood feedback.
The City of Austin, Treefolks and neighbors are planting about 50 new trees along the medians of Northcross Drive next January 10th, 2009. These trees are provided by the City of Austin Urban forestry program along with the trees the city has committed to watering the trees for the first two years. However, we need help getting the trees planted!
Paul Smith, who lives in the Tiffany condos, developed this plan with the assistance of City of Austin Forester Emily King. Nine native and adapted tree species have been identified. We are in the process of assessing existing vegetation, utility lines, and changes related to the Northcross re-development to finalize this plan.
This is a great for groups and families. You can pick a tree for your family and then watch it grow.
The more volunteers we have, the easier it will be to plant these new trees.
If you are interested in helping, contact Paul Smith at bluegeckoyoga@aol.com.
All you need to bring is yourself a pair of gloves, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a smile. The city will provide all other materials and supplies.
Paul will be in touch with all volunteers with more details and reminders as we get closer to the big day.