Utility vegetation management
Tree advice and support for utility providers
Trees are a major threat to electricity supplies as evidenced by the number of disruptions caused whenever there is a major storm.
To minimise disruptions, the government has strict regulations that place responsibility on electricity distribution network operators (DNOs) to keep their overhead electricity lines clear of vegetation and make them as resilient as possible.
This is a significant challenge for DNOs because of their widespread network of overhead lines (UK Power Networks, for example, has more than 45,000 km) and vegetation is dynamic and can grow over one metre in one season.
The ADAS arboriculture team can offer a range of services to help DNOs ensure safety and compliance across their network.
Technical vegetation management advice
Our technical advice includes drafting specifications/scope of works for tree clearance and arboricultural consultancy.
Surveying and consenting
Our surveyors are qualified arboriculturists and they have all obtained the necessary utility arboriculture certificates (UA1, UA2.1, UA5.1 & UA5.2). They are also skilled negotiators and this along with their technical ability and ADAS’ independence, enables us to maximise permissions for compliant clearances.
Network resilience
We have developed a unique survey system, based on combining an arboricultural tree risk assessment with the “line strike probability”. This is for circuits that need additional clearance to make them storm resilient from tree-related problems. We have however successfully adopted a more risk-averse approach where this is required by our clients.
Auditing
ADAS is in a unique position to carry out compliance auditing of tree work. Not only do we have the technical ability, we are also fully independent and so our audits will be totally impartial.
Aerial vegetation surveys
Working with Bluesky International, we can provide a complete LIDAR survey which eliminates the need for expensive ground surveys and captures the state of the vegetation throughout the network at any given time.
Combined with this, we produce three-dimensional images of the vegetation on a span by span basis and from the LIDAR data, we can design risk-based tree cutting programmes.
Helping electricity DNOs improve their vegetation management for over 15 years
We provide a full range of strategic and operational vegetation management consultancy. A selection of our clients include UK Power Networks, SSE, SP Energy Networks, SP Electricity North West, National Grid and the Northern Powergrid.
Arboriculture advice and support
From tree surveys to on-site monitoring, we’re here to help.
Speak to our team