PIERCE PEPIN COOPERATIVE SERVICES
Trees and Power Lines

Managing vegetation with herbicides
Years of experience and study show that the safest and most efficient way to keep electric rights-of-way clear of trees and brush is through the careful use of herbicides. PPCS uses a selective herbicide program that assures safe and easy access for our service and maintenance needs while preserving natural surroundings, including wildlife habitat.

In using herbicides, PPCS uses a “best management practice” accepted and promoted by the electric utility industry to provide cost-effective right-of-way vegetation management. Vegetation management with herbicides is half the cost of any other method and decreases over time. Other methods of maintenance increase in cost over time. Many of our neighboring electric cooperatives, private utilities and counties use this important vegetation management tool.

PPCS requires crews that apply herbicides to follow strict usage guidelines. Personnel or contractors who apply herbicides must hold a pesticide application license from the state in which they work or they must work under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. They must also conform to all state and federal laws.