📍 Location: UKPN Site – Adjacent to 11kV Powerlines
🏢 Client: UK Power Networks (UKPN)
🔍 Background
To ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to homes and businesses, powerlines must remain clear of encroaching vegetation. Across the UK, trees growing near overhead lines pose a significant risk to infrastructure, particularly as they increase in height and canopy spread over time. Regular monitoring and proactive vegetation management are essential to maintaining network integrity and public safety.
🛠️ Project Scope
Countryside Trees was commissioned by UK Power Networks to assess and manage a site where 28 mature poplar trees had grown dangerously close to 11kV overhead powerlines. Several of the trees were in direct contact with the lines, presenting an immediate hazard and potential disruption to power supply.
📋 Planning & Coordination
Our qualified UQ5 Surveyors conducted a detailed site assessment and developed a comprehensive work plan in collaboration with the landowner. To ensure the highest safety standards, a scheduled power shutdown was arranged with UKPN to facilitate the works.
🧰 Methodology
- Access & Safety: Multiple spider Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) were deployed to provide safe and efficient access to the tree canopies.
- Tree Work: All 28 poplar trees were professionally pollarded by our certified arborists, adhering strictly to British Standard BS3998 for tree work best practices.
- Waste Management: All arisings were chipped on-site and left neatly, ensuring minimal disruption and a tidy finish for the landowner.
✅ Outcome
The project was completed safely, on schedule, and to the satisfaction of both UK Power Networks and the landowner. By mitigating the risk of vegetation interference, Countryside Trees helped ensure the continued safe operation of the local power network.
