Old southwest Reno is filled with beautiful trees that have filled the neighborhoods for many decades.
But recently, NV Energy has come and in and trimmed many of those trees back from power lines for safety reasons. They say tree limbs grow too close to lines which can cause power outages during windy conditions.
So, they've trimmed limbs and created a V-like shape to create space.
Something some residents are not happy about.
"I know the biggest issue as a resident is part of why we like to live down here is that old southwest feel, and the over ground trees in the shade. So it's kind of a bummer to lose that."
Sarah Gregovich lives on California Avenue - and says NV Energy arrived without warning and starting cutting down and trimming back trees.
She says it creates an eye sore in the neighborhoods.
Other old southwest residents formed a group called "Save Our Trees" and say the method NV Energy is using to trim is causing serious damage to the trees.
"But what concerns me is the shape they're leaving the trees in. If they create this big V, then it's not appropriate for tree management," says Ted Schroeder.
But NV Energy says these trimmings are necessary and released this information concerning the cut trees:
NV Energy - Tree Trimming Policy
- We understand why some residents are unhappy about the tree trimming that's occurred along California Avenue, but we have an obligation to trim and remove trees and limbs when they pose a hazard to our facilities, our employees or the public.
- NV Energy trims trees within our utility right of way on a regular basis in order to prevent power outages.
- Tree limbs that grow too close to lines can cause outages, especially during windy conditions.
- We trim trees according to utility industry standards established by the American National Standards Institute, OSHA, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. We also follow tree trimming practices recommended by The International Society of Arboriculture as they relate to electric lines.
- Those standards require that trees must be a minimum of 10-feet from our power lines or other facilities…or more if the lines are of higher voltages.
- We encourage people not to plant trees within electric utility right of ways…or to plant trees or other vegetation that will not grow into the lines.
- Here's a link to information on our website that describes the company's tree trimming policies and practices in detail.
