Effectively managing tree growth and pruning cycles with tree-growth regulators

Abstract

Since the electric utility industry's inception, trees and overhead electrical conductors have coexisted, although sometimes not harmoniously. Tree-related power outages represent significant expense and lost revenue for utility companies and their customers. Tree pruning has been the only viable option, and bears significant maintenance costs. A new technology, tree-growth regulators, reduces tree maintenance costs when used in conjunction with pruning. This paper's purpose is to introduce tree-growth regulators (TGRs) and demonstrate how they allow utilities to better manage tree growth and extend pruning cycles, while reducing costs.