Approximately 14 million miles of electrical transmission lines and pipeline rights-of-way weave throughout the United States. With an expansive amount of land to manage, protecting utility infrastructure from the incompatible plant species is no small task for vegetation management programs. In addition to safeguarding the integrity of utility infrastructure, control methods commonly used by vegetation managers also impact nearby communities and the surrounding environment. This makes the use of science-based strategies essential for vegetation managers working to achieve optimum results.
Finding control methods that effectively manage undesirable plant species is a primary goal of successful vegetation management teams but considering the environmental impact of these strategies is also important. For instance, mechanical mowing and trimming practices provide short-term relief from incompatible vegetation, but they also can damage native plants that support biodiverse habitat and endangered pollinators. Mowing also stimulates seed spreading and the regrowth of incompatible stems, causing more damage to the environment – and a utility’s pocketbook. Luckily, more selective (and effective) solutions are available.
Recognized as an industry best practice, Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) can protect both the environment and utility infrastructure. As a cornerstone of successful IVM programs, selective herbicide applications can be used to effectively control targeted plant species and significantly reduce off-target damage to desirable vegetation. Herbicides supplement mechanical control methods to provide multiple benefits over the exclusive use of mechanical mowing practices, including:
- Effective control of incompatible plant species
- Significantly less damage to desirable plant communities
- Improved development of biodiverse wildlife habitat
- Fewer maintenance requirements over time
- Lower long-term maintenance costs
According to Phil Charlton, executive director of the Utility Arborist Association, IVM practices provide the best management solutions for utility companies, surrounding communities and the environment:
Backed by decades of research, IVM principles provide environmentally friendly and economically responsible solutions to utility vegetation management teams across the country. To learn more about the research, successful herbicide programs and management techniques that can help enhance beneficial wildlife habitat and the reliability of utility service, visit HabitatWithHerbicides.com.
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