- (910) 353-1940
- joemc@joemc.com
- M-F 8 AM to 5 PM
Jones-Onslow’s goal is to provide safe and reliable electric service to our members. To do this, we must manage the growth of certain vegetation that could interfere with providing you reliable service.
Cooperative crews manage unwanted vegetation within right-of-way easements using a variety of methods which are periodically evaluated for safety and environmental impact. The cooperative uses an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) approach which includes mechanical equipment (such as tractors and chain saws) as well as herbicide application methods.
Maintenance is performed throughout the year. We utilize line clearance contract crews to routinely trim and remove unwanted vegetation surrounding nearly 1,800 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines. When herbicides are used, these applicators utilize low volume backpack methods, specifically targeting trees and vegetation that can grow directly into the overhead lines, as well as restrict access to the poles on our system. Herbicides used include small amounts of Bayer Method, Nufarm Polaris, and Bayer Escort. All of these products have been tested and approved for this use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Jones-Onslow manages its right-of-way with concern for the environment. By using herbicide that specifically targets woody vegetation, it allows the native grasses to grow, creating habitat for wildlife as well as an environment that pollinators can thrive in. By doing so, this also allows Jones-Onslow to continue to provide safe and reliable electric service to our members and access the utility poles within our easements efficiently in the event maintenance or repairs are needed.
Vegetation Management
Utility Pole & Wire Replacement
Cable Replacements
This could house pdf of with standards, chemicals, work debris etc.
Jones-Onslow employees regularly inspect our system for trees that seriously threaten our power lines and, thus, our ability to provide safe and reliable service. We occasionally find diseased, weak, dying, leaning, damaged, or dead trees. These risk trees outside the Cooperative’s rights-of-way have the potential to cause outages if they fall onto our system. When found, they are marked and then cut down to eliminate the threat to power lines.
Common Risk Tree Problems
In our area, the pine tree is the biggest concern. Browning needles beginning at the tips and moving inward, shedding of bark and bark beetles are potential problem signs for these pine trees.
Drought compounded with a mild winter stresses the trees where they cannot defend themselves against these beetles.
Fungus is another common ailment of trees. When any type of fungus plagues a tree, it is often a sign that the tree is not very healthy and is dealing with a previous disease or stress. If you have a tree with fungus on its trunk, discuss the situation with a certified arborist, who can determine how to treat it.
How You Can Help
Members can help by identifying and reporting risk trees. If removed before they are fully dead, this helps ensure safety for members and our workers. This also helps maintain power reliability. There is no cost to members to have risk trees cut down; however, removal of the debris is the member’s responsibility.
If you see a risk tree near power lines, call 910-353-1940 and one our Member Services Representatives can assist you.
