Herbicide Application

PPL Electric Utilities uses herbicides in careful combination with natural, biological controls to maintain the vegetation in our rights of way. Only trees that will grow tall enough to interfere with overhead power lines are treated.

To better target these trees, all herbicides are applied selectively by contractors certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. These contractors work on the ground with hand-held equipment.

The lower-growing trees and shrubs are preserved as much as possible, since they provide natural competition for the tall-growing species of trees. This low-growing plant community also provides ideal habitat for wildlife that feed on the saplings of many tall-growing tree species.

The combined effects of the plant competition and the wildlife activity help minimize the amount of herbicides needed to ensure safe and reliable electric lines.

Herbicides and the Environment

PPL Electric Utilities is committed to managing vegetation in ways that will have a minimal impact on our environment.

We will apply only products that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on utility rights of way. These products have undergone significant testing to ensure that, when used according to labeled instructions, they pose no threat to you, wildlife or the environment.

In fact, some of the materials we use are the same as those commonly used by homeowners.

There are significant, well-documented benefits resulting from the selective herbicide application techniques we use. Ideal wildlife habitat is created within these right of way corridors. Also, many naturally occurring and beautiful plant and shrub species are left undisturbed in the right of way.