Security Out With Oncor Tree Trimmers

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Workers with Oncor spent part of Friday out trimming trees, as usual, in a Dallas community. But this time Oncor wasn't alone. The company sent out private security with its crews, just as a precaution.

Oncor has come under fire recently as many residents have gone out "on a limb", in an effort to protect their trees. As an example, Oncor workers claim that this past summer one woman climbed into her tree, armed with a b.b. gun.

Now the company is hopeful a new pilot program will help create common ground for both parties. It's a battle that's taken root in neighborhoods all across North Texas.

"People are very passionate about it," said Lakewood resident Carole Harper.

Oncor's tree trimming practices have been challenged by resident's claims of the company butchering the bark beauties that blanket their lawns.

"From the front, it looks alright. From the back, it looks horrible," Harper said. "It's just hard on the tree – that's what my arborist said."

The private security accompanied Oncor workers to the Lakewood community Friday, because the issue has become so contentious.

"We do need security to be out here just in case," explained Oncor spokesperson Jeamy Molina. "We want to keep our workers safe. We want to keep our contractors safe."

But, the community, where so many oppose Oncor's practices, was also a testing ground for the future of trimming. Oncor branched out to Lakewood with a pilot program.

The program essentially allows residents the option to hire a licensed arborist, who's certified to work near power lines, to maintain the pruning of their trees. There is a 7-foot safety minimum trimming requirement, and the program allows Oncor to trim that amount back if the homeowner doesn't maintain the proper distance.

According to Oncor, of the 1,700 customers contacted by the company, only one customer registered for the program. "That's unfortunate because we really thought this program would give them more options," Molina said.

While residents, like Carole Harper, may not like the way it looks, most agree that trimming is a necessary evil to ensure power down the line. "The lady who lives here she said they're pruning that tree. It's falling in the yard – but yet, it's falling over my power lines," said Harper. "So, if her tree fell, it would take out my power lines."

The pilot program is unique to Lakewood residents. It's the only community where Oncor is testing the program. The company says it's hopeful the program will generate more interest and they plan to keep it open as an option for those interested.

Oncor does have plans to expand the program to other North Texas communities in the future.