PLOW & HOSE ORGANIC GARDENING IN CENTRAL TEXAS | Julie Rydell
The 2023 epic ice storm dumped historic amounts of frozen precipitation on Central Texas and caused historic damages in Taylor.
Winter Storm Mara knocked out power across Central Texas by coating power lines with heavy layers of ice causing lines to snap.
Trees also suffered from the ice and falling limbs contributed to the power outages.
The city of Taylor faced days of round-the-clock clean up of debris.
Damage was extensive in Taylor compared to nearby communities, primarily due to the fact that Taylor has many large, established trees.
The older neighborhoods in Taylor were impacted the greatest, by both power outages and arboreal damages when ice-laden limbs collapsed onto utility lines and poles. Our newer neighborhoods with underground utility lines and smaller trees didn’t suffer as greatly.
With more than $5 million in direct clean up costs, Mara forever altered the landscape in Taylor when we lost years of old growth.
Mara isn’t all to blame for the damage to the landscape. Local plants have been subjected to extreme weather conditions for several years. Trees and plants have been in recovery mode since the sub-zero temperatures of Winter Storm Uri in 2021. The extended droughts have also stressed plants.
Freezing temperatures and the weight of ice harmed many plants, but especially ones stressed from drought and diseases. With months to go until spring, it’s still too early to know if we will have any significant ice events this winter. With the El Nino weather pattern this year, area meteorologists suggested we should anticipate a wetter than usual winter. This could come as rain, snow or ice depending on the temperatures.
To prevent further damage homeowners should survey their property and look for potential issues with their trees. Pruning damaged or dead wood is always important, but any limbs that could hit power supply lines or structures should be removed before Mother Nature sends us an icy storm.
Tree trimming crews have been in the area recently clearing away branches around power lines to prevent damage to electrical utilities from vegetation. These crews work with certified arborists to remove limbs and branches, which are too close to the lines. They only prune vegetation that could impact safe, reliable electrical service.
Crews usually only clear vegetation three to 10 feet away from most residential service lines. Depending on the type and voltage, they may be required to remove more or completely remove entire trees. Clearances are determined by various regulations including the state utility code, Public Utility Regulatory Act and the National Electrical Safety Code.
The utilities clear vegetation around power lines based on requirements, not aesthetics. Homeowners may not like the way their trees look after pruning by these crews but only line clearance certified personnel who are approved by the electrical delivery provider are authorized to work within six feet of high voltage lines. Additionally, OSHA requirements state all others stay at least 10 feet away from high voltage lines.
Tree trimming crews are trained to make appropriate cuts to branches and take measures to prevent the spread of oak wilt by sterilizing pruning tools when working on oak species.
Wounds on oak trees should be sealed, but non-oak trees should be allowed to heal naturally.
Electricity delivery companies perform tree pruning on a rotating schedule and by need. Since it could be a long time between line clearance trimmings, property owners should evaluate their trees seasonally. Trees that hang over property lines, grow too close to structures, or create unsafe conditions should be pruned before damage occurs. If you have concerns about your trees and the power lines, you can request an assessment from your electricity delivery provider by contacting them on their website.
Large trees, especially shade trees, add value and beauty to your property.
Seek out professionals to trim and shape your trees.
Hire certified arborists that are insured and willing to provide detailed written estimates of all charges.
Better to plan your tree maintenance by professionals rather than inexperienced folks with a chainsaw looking to make a quick buck.
With 25 years of backyard gardening experience, Julie is a plant and nature enthusiast. She lives in Taylor and hosts the “Plow & Hose Organic Gardening in Central Texas” podcast.
