How Hydro-Québec controls vegetation near its distribution lines
Preventive maintenance and corrective action

Preventive maintenance

Periodic trimming

	Every 2 to 7 years. Particularly in developed areas. A certified tree trimmer hired by Hydro-Québec trims and picks up branches. No cost to the owner of the tree.

Periodic tree cutting

	Every 6 to 12 years. Especially in larger and less developed areas. A qualified cutter hired by Hydro-Québec cuts and may (or may not) pick up residue. The residue can be transformed into chips (with or without recovery), put in piles or spread over the ground. No cost to the owner of the trees.

Tree cutting or removal of overhanging vegetation

	Such work is performed when a tree shows signs of structural weakness, which could adversely affect reliability and safety related to the provision of electrical service (partially uprooted tree, one damaged during a storm, etc.). A tree trimmer hired by Hydro-Québec cuts and may (or may not) pick up residue. The residue can be reduced to chips, put in piles or spread over the ground. Commercial timber is not chipped, but left as is for various uses (fuel wood, etc.). No cost to the owner of the trees.

Corrective action

Clearing vegetation around distribution lines to restore electrical service

	When a power failure occurs. Hydro-Québec or a tree trimmer hired by the utility intervenes as required, at no charge, but does not pick up residue. The municipality or the property owner must look after residue.

Action in response to a citizen's request

	A Hydro-Québec expert assesses the risk. If work is required to ensure reliability and safety related to electrical service, Hydro-Québec or a tree trimmer hired by the utility will perform the work as quickly as possible, according to the assessed risk. If the work is related to an owner's need to develop or improve his property (adding a pool, a garden shed, etc.) and in the course of a trimming or cutting operation part of the tree may come within 3 metres of a medium-voltage power line, Hydro-Québec or a tree trimmer hired by the utility will perform the work. The owner of the tree is responsible for cleaning up and, often, finishing the job.