Just weeks before school was back in session, San Isabel Electric was contacted about a towering 100-foot tree leaning towards power lines and a busy street. The tree needed to be removed before it caused damage.
The project was more than just a regular job, it was a training opportunity for SIEA’s newest line clearance crew members. The co-op has hired eight line clearance crew members in the last few years, many of whom are new to the work of vegetation management.
Under the guidance of seasoned crew members, they learned specialized techniques for working safely near power lines and how to properly use equipment. They also learned how to handle emergencies, which,
fortunately, did not occur that day.
Thanks to protective rubber sleeves that covered the high-voltage power lines, power lines remained energized as crew members in bucket trucks cut away branches before carefully cutting the tree down. The crew made fast work of the project, wrapping up after a half day of work.
“The best part of being a co-op is being able to be a good neighbor,” SIEA General Manager Ryan Elarton said. “Our business strategy isn’t about making money, it’s about lending a hand when we can and doing the right thing.”
Special thanks to Trinidad State College and the City of Trinidad for providing SIEA with this unique partnership and training opportunity.
Have you ever wondered why tree trimmers don’t use ladders? Cut branches can sweep under the tree and knock down the ladder. So, Tree Trimmer Foreman David Padilla and Tree Trimmer John O-Donnell use pole saws and bucket trucks to remove as many branches as possible before the tree is safely cut down. Cutting the branches off before cutting the tree down makes the drop location on the ground easier to estimate, reduces the size of the drop area, and reduces the weight of the tree before it falls.
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