Rock Falls Electric Utilities

Important Bulletins

Established Sept 17, 1895
1109 Industrial Park Road
Rock Falls, IL 61071
Phone: 815.622.1145 Fax: 815.622.1149

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide the highest quality, lowest cost energy service to our customer-owners.

GOALS

1. To satisfy all of the customers all of the time.
2. To provide an enjoyable work environment that encourages and develops competent highly-motivated employees.
3. To promote a consistent, workable relationship with other departments in the city and outside communities.
4. To develop and maintain a leadership image.
5. To operate within the cities rules, policies and approved contracts.
6. To be a respected provider.

Work & Tree Trimming Areas

Electric Committee Agenda & Minutes 

Work & Tree Trimming Areas

The City of Rock Falls tree trimming methods and polices

Method of Trimming: The department uses the lateral or natural tree trimming methods. In this method, limbs are removed at their nearest main branch, and not trimmed in length. The Department will not "top" a tree unless it is absolutely necessary. The Department will not "round" trees.
Lateral tree trimming has been endorsed by experts, including the Arbor Day Foundation, as the best method to trim trees. Although the appearance of the tree can be unusual after the initial trim, the appearance quickly improves with time and growing seasons.

Clearance Distances: The department trims all trees to a minimum of nine feet from  the primary (top) conductors. Trees that overhang the system are trimmed as the worker can reach with the equipment on site.

Tree Removal: If a tree is obviously diseased, dying or dead and is on public property, the department will remove the tree. If the tree is on private property the property owner will have the tree remove at his expense.

Trimming Trees on Private Property: There are two conditions where the department will trim a tree that is located on private property.
First, if the tree violates the nine-foot clearance, the department will trim to that clearance. It is not possible to notify property owners of this action.
Second, if a property owner has a tree that is dangerously close to the power lines, the department will aid in the removal and/or trimming of that tree. this is done for safety reasons. Persons in this situation should contact the department for specific guidance.

Limbs on Service Drops: The department does not maintain clearance on limbs on or over the service drop on private property. the property owner is responsible for the trees on his property. At the owners request, the department will remove a service drop to allow an owner to trim or remove a tree adjacent to it. This service is provided during business hours only at no charge. Please contact the department for further information.

Topping or Tipping: The department will not top, tip or round a tree, these techniques in our view lead to many cut between nodes, encouragement of many sprouts, and cause for more trimming later on.

Top

Electrical Director
Paul A. Jakubczak

Test Form

603 W. 10th Street • Rock Falls, Illinois 61071 • 815.622.1100