Residents in parts of Natchitoches, DeSoto, and Sabine Parishes may hear and see something exciting this month as SWEPCO takes to the sky to trim trees. Known as aerial tree trimming, this initiative will enhance service reliability and reduce power outages caused by falling branches, particularly in the region's challenging terrain of swamps and dense forests.
SWEPCO manages over 25,000 miles of power lines across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Forestry specialists continuously monitor where excess vegetation poses risks to power line reliability and can also lead to outages. To address these challenges, SWEPCO has introduced aerial tree trimming, which utilizes a 33-foot aerial saw suspended from a helicopter. This advanced method allows for efficient maintenance in hard-to-reach areas, improving clearance around power lines.
“Aerial tree trimming is vital for maintaining the safety and reliability of electric service in our communities,” said Alan Seabaugh, Louisiana State Senator, District 31. “By proactively managing tree growth near power lines, this project will reduce the risk of outages from falling branches, particularly during storms. This is essential maintenance that not only prevents service interruptions but also enhances the safety of our community by ensuring proper clearance around power lines. Tree trimming is an important investment in the reliability of our power supply, benefiting all residents.”
The aerial trimming process in Natchitoches and surrounding areas began in April and continues through June. The project will move to other SWEPCO regions in the coming months. Residents are advised to maintain a safe distance from the work areas. SWEPCO crews will assess hazards before trimming and will manage debris through mulching or removal afterward.
“This initiative is crucial for reliable power supply and allows us to maintain safe and dependable electric service for our customers,” stated SWEPCO's Risk & Reliability Manager, Stefan Urian.
For further information about the project and SWEPCO's initiatives, residents can visit SWEPCO.com/trees.