A story on tree-planting in the wake of August’s tornado, published in last Wednesday’s edition of the Chesterton Tribune, caught the eye of NIPSCO spokesman Nick Meyers, who gave the Trib the heads-up that the Northern Indiana Public Service Company has a lot of good info on tree-planting.

Turns out, NIPSCO does. Access it as www.nipsco.com/trees

As urban forester Gina Darnell recommended in Wednesday’s story, choosing the right tree and the right place to plant it are vitally important.

Decide in advance what you want your new tree to do for you, NIPSCO advises. “Do you want shade, framing, accent color, screening, energy conservation, wildlife habitat, or something else. Keep in mind the type of tree and its foliage.”

Be certain you know the height and spread of the tree at maturity. “Never select medium or large trees for planting near overhead utility wires,” NIPSCO advises.

Choose a tree too that will thrive. “Remember to look for a tree with a strong main truck that is well suited to your climate and soil conditions,” NIPSCO advises. “Avoid trees with shipping and handling damage such as trunk scrapes, broken limbs, or torn roots.”

NIPSCO recommends a variety of small trees for Northern Indiana smaller than 25 feet, medium trees between 25-50 feet, and large trees higher than 50 feet. See the lists at the website.

NIPSCO, on the other hand, specifically warns customers to avoid the following: silver maple, Lombardy popular, Scotch pine, green ash, white ash, weeping willow, Siberian (Chinese) elm, silver poplar, and Australian willow.

Choosing the right place to plant your new tree can prevent future problems, NIPSCO notes.

Start by sketching your yard. “Account for all structures, above-ground and below-ground utilities, and existing plants,” NIPSCO advises.

Then mark the area for planting. “This will help you determine the available space once your tree reaches maturity,” NIPSCO advises. “Never plant large-growing trees in confined areas or near overhead utility wires.”

“Planting in the right place is an investment in your property,” NIPSCO adds. “Trees can help you save on your energy costs. For example, trees planted to the south and southwest of your home will help shade your house. Evergreens planted to the north and northwest can provide a barrier to the bitter cold of winter winds.”

NIPSCO requires at least 20 feet of clearance between its poles and any nearby trees. It advises folks to plant medium trees between 25-50 feet of height at least 50 feet from their houses and large trees in excess of 50 feet from their houses.

NIPSCO also has information on the right way to plant and later to prune your new trees. NIPSCO reminds tree-planters to call 811 at least 48 hours in advance of your project for locates on underground utility lines.

Meyers raised one other topic when speaking with the Tribune on Thursday: the public field hearing on electric utilities’ tree-trimming policies being convened by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Merrillville High School auditorium.

Meyers said that NIPSCO revamped its tree-trimming policies in the spring prior to the IURC’s interest in the issue. Those policies can also be reviewed at www.nipsco.com/trees

The company’s trained arborists make their determination based on a number of factors, NIPSCO says: the physical condition of the tree, its species and height at maturity, the likelihood of its future growth conflicting with power lines, the voltage of the line and the tree’s position in relation to it, the visual and health impact of the work on the tree.

“Whatever work is planned, you will be notified in advance by receiving a door hanger packet that includes a letter from NIPSCO and this pamphlet,” the company states. “When tree removal is planned, you will receive an additional notice in the pack requesting that you contact the utility arborist working in your area to discuss the issues of concern identified during their inspection.”

The company’s contractor uses “directional pruning techniques that result in limbs being cut back to another existing branch, crotch, or trunk,” NIPSCO states. “This approach tends to guide new growth away from power lines while taking advantage of the natural ability of trees to heal-over pruning cuts made at those locations.”

“Before any pruning begins and after arriving at your property, our tree contractor is to knock at the door to announce themselves and then begin work,” NIPSCO states.

“When the job is done, tree crews will chip and haul away smaller trimmings and do a general clean-up of the work area. Larger limbs that have value as firewood will be cut into manageable lengths and left at the base of the tree for your use.”

“We will only completely remove trees when it is prudent or necessary to do so,” NIPSCO states.

“Trees are cut down only with the consent of the land owner and only after they have been identified by our arborists as being a high or immediate risk to safety or reliable electric service. All arrangements made with you related to tree removal will be documented in writing and a copy of the agreement provided to you.”

“The arborist will then mark the trees and let you know a general time frame for when the work is scheduled,” NIPSCO also states. “Upon arriving at your property, our tree contractor is to knock at the door to announce themselves and then begin work. When the job is done, tree crews will chip and haul away smaller trimming and do a general cleanup of the work area. The resulting wood will be handled per your written agreement.”

Posted 9/22/2009