Integrating TGRs Into Vegetation Management

摘要

Utilities experience cost savings and reduced pruning cycles with the use of tree growth regulators. Maintaining vegetation along utility rights-of-way is a critical component of providing safe and reliable power. For many years, the only tool used to accomplish this was a chain saw to remove tree limbs closest to power lines. The electric utility industry has changed rapidly in the last several years, and there are now so many vegetation management tools available it is difficult to determine which ones fit within a particular integrated vegetation management (IVM) program. To implement an effective IVM program, utility arborists should use a wide variety of tools, including tree growth regulators (TGRs). Foresters across the country are implementing TGRs in their IVM programs to help reduce costs, increase reliability and improve stakeholder relations.