Maintaining Transmission Corridor

FirstEnergy's long distance, high voltage transmission lines provide power to thousands of our customers and are vital reliability links with other utilities across the country. Keeping our transmission corridor free of unwanted trees and other vegetation is very important to providing reliable and safe electric service.

Vegetation management schedule

Tower

Vegetation management crews maintain our transmission corridor every 4 or 5 years. Transmission corridor widths vary according to the voltage of the transmission line and by the easement rights obtained when the line was built. Usually, trees located within the corridor that interfere or may potentially interfere with the operation of transmission facilities are removed. This may be accomplished using power saws, EPA-registered herbicides, mechanical equipment, or a combination of methods.

Trees and shrubs

Trees and vegetation are inspected and pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Usually, trees located within the corridor that interfere or may potentially interfere with the operation of transmission facilities are removed. Trees located beyond the edge of the corridor that potentially may interfere with transmission facilities are evaluated to determine whether pruning or removal is required. Trees adjacent to the corridor that are unhealthy, leaning or significantly encroaching the corridor are also pruned or removed. This may be accomplished using use hand-operated tools, saws, mowers, aerial helicopter saws and EPA-registered herbicides, or a combination of methods.

Compatible shrubs that do not interfere with transmission facilities are not disturbed. A diverse mixture of grasses, low growing shrubs and other ground cover preferred by birds, deer and small animals promote a thriving wildlife habitat. In this way, well-managed transmission corridor provide food and cover wildlife's need to survive. Additional information about vegetation management practices and maintaining a safe and reliable transmission system can be found here.

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