Why does OPALCO cut small trees that are growing under the lines when it would be many years before they would cause a problem?

It is definitely more cost effective for us to remove small trees early by hand cutting or by mobile power mowing the area underneath the lines than to trim or cut the tree down when the tree is growing in and around the energized lines. Another reason is that by keeping the area under the lines clear, it gives the line crews better access to our lines when restoration is needed during a power interruption.