1. Utility Line Arboreta Bonnie L. Appleton and Brenda M. Johnson-Asnicar
Hampton Roads AREC, Virginia Tech
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Each year utility companies spend over 2 billion dollars for tree pruning and removal, much of which is caused by the selection and planting of tree species with inappropriately mature heights. Despite publicity against the use of trees that are too tall, poor tree species selection continues.
In response to public safety concerns, line-clearance pruning is required. Many line-clearance pruning practices damage trees, both physiologically and aesthetically. Line clearance necessitates the disposal of millions of tons of biomass each year.
In 2000 the Virginia Municipal Tree Restoration Project (MTRP) as started. One of the major projects of MTRP is the establishment of utility line arboreta in multiple Virginia locations as a way to evaluate and showcase utility compatible trees. There are three types of utility line arboreta (ULA) being developed and planted across Virginia:
New site/New utility lines installed - At Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Beach, the ULA was developed in a demonstration area accessible to the public. Dominion Virginia Power erected three poles and two spans of uncharged lines around and under which over 150 species and cultivars of small trees (to 35’) and large shrubs are being trialed.
Existing site/Existing utility lines – In the City of Abingdon, existing trees that had overgrown the lines and required frequent pruning, or trees that were determined to be hazardous along the two main city streets, were removed. They were replaced with appropriate species to create a ULA along heavily trafficked streets.
New sit/Existing utility lines - In the City of Chesapeake, on property of the Chesapeake Arboretum, a ULA was developed under existing charged overhead lines along the main city road bisecting the arboretum’s property.
Utility Line Arboretum - Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Beach, VA
Left – Utility Line Arboretum at the Chesapeake Arboretum, Chesapeake, VA; Right – Utility Line Arboretum along two main streets in Abingdon, VA.