What is Utility Arboriculture?

Utility arboriculture is a term used to describe the management of trees and vegetation effecting the different infrastructure networks found in the UK.

Whatever the network, be it the overhead electricity lines, railways, highways, communications equipment or waterways, unmanaged trees and vegetation can lead to damage, loss of supply and most importantly, threaten the safety of the people around them.

To carry out tree cutting and vegetation maintenance on any of these networks requires specialist training and authorisations in line with the network owners requirements. The additional hazards associated with such networks mean that Utility arborists have to take their skills to the next level to ensure they can operate safely.

Tree Works Adjacent to Overhead Power Lines 

One of PLS Group's core work streams. MD Jason and senior manager Mark have decades of experience under the belts and between them have worked on every voltage and for nearly every Network operator nationwide including National Grid. They also regularly provide NPTC Utility Arb training from basic electrical awarness through right through to Utility Arb surveyor.

Working alongside live overhead powerlines is extremely hazardous. Electricity is an invisible killer and as such all PLS operatives are qualified NPTC utility arborists along with holdiong the required network operator authorisations for what ever network operator they are working for.

We also provide an emergency response service wherever we can, putting teams on high alert during predicted stormy weather.

Tree and vegetation surveys

Our fully qualified NPTC UA surveyors are tasked with gathering the vital information required for teams to then go out to cut and clear trees on any network be it overhead powerlines, railways or highways.

This is usually through a walk through survey to ascertain the number of trees affecting the network along with a risk assessment applied to each tree to ensure the most appropriate methods are used to safely carry out the work.

They’re also experts in liaising with landowners and third parties ensuring relevant permissions are obtained to carry out cutting works and to agree site access.

Management of Trees and Vegetation Adjacent to the Railway Network

As with the highway network, trees can prove hazardous to the safe operation of trains along with affecting third party property that borders the network. We have experienced, PTS (personal track safety) qualified staff to undertake any tree work on the network. 

Management of Trees and Vegetation Adjacent to Waterways

With the change in climate and threat of global warming, the risk of flooding has come to the fore front of the national consciousness. Our rivers are bordered by trees which when they fail can exacerbate the risk of flooding through fallen trees and branches causing blockages and restricting water flow. We have the skill set and specialist equipment to clear trees from rivers with an emphasis on protecting the environment. 

No matter the utility project you may have in mind, PLS has the ability to come up with the safest, most cost effective solution to suit your needs.

The PLS Group UK team is a dynamic workforce with years of experience.

Our Managing Director, Jason, and Senior Manager, Mark, have spent many years working for the country’s largest utility arb companies as both climbing arborists and field managers. Between them, they have decades of experience working on all infrastructure networks. 

Our field team are highly skilled professionals with safety and efficiency at the forefront of all our operations.

We are passionate about training at PLS and as such all our team have, and are constantly updating their qualifications to carry out any utility project. 

All our staff are NPTC qualified and undergo regular refresher training. All machine operatives are CPCS/NPORS/LANTRA trained.

Efficiency Through Mechanisation

Arboriculture has historically been a very labour-intensive industry. That is now changing for the better with advances in technology and what were once arduous tasks involving manual handling and hand work can now, wherever possible, be carried out with machinery. PLS have a range of machines ideally suited to the industry that increase safety and efficiency wherever possible. These include:

• Remotely controlled forestry mulcher for clearing large areas of thorny, low lying scrub. Capable of traversing 55 degree slopes.
• Small Excavators with tree shear and grab. The small size is particularly suited to tight access line clearance sites. Boom height limiters are fitted for increased safety.
• Large woodchipper for dealing with larger trees. Able to be fed with excavator and grab or by hand if necessary.
• Remote machine mounted forestry winch for difficult access sites.

For a more detailed description of our machines, please visit our machine hire page.