Ultra Low Volume Applications for Rights-of-Way

Abstract

Ultra low-volume applications provide the vegetation manager a low-profile method of providing long-term control of undesirable trees that interfere with reliable power to the end user. The following are a list of objectives that are met via ULV applications: high percentage of control; productivity; minimal under story damage; no off-target drift; rainfastness; visibility, fewer misses and less over application; and reduced equipment needs. ULV Broadcast Foliar rRights-of-way that have been reclaimed by mechanical methods, such as a brush hog, Hydro-ax, or Kershaw, will result in as much as 10 times the stem count, depending on the soil, species, and management approach in the past. Asplundh Tree Expert Co. teamed up with DuPont recently to develop the ultra low-volume (ULV) Thinvert herbicide application system for chemically side trimming rights-of-way. This system has shown potential for up to 40 percent improvement in productivity while maintaining effective vegetation control. The Thinvert application system and Krenite S, a bud inhibitor, have been tested for the past four spray seasons to selectively treat woody plants that threaten to interfere with the conductors. A two-person crew, equipped with a lift truck, bucket sprayer unit can ULV side trim the walls in conjunction with the pole saw operation. This system makes it possible to treat 2,500 lineal feet of right-of-way daily at a rate of five to seven gallons per vertical acre. Both operational and demonstration plot work have been presented. Data from plots in Minnesota to Florida have been analyzed to determine if ULV side trimming is a viable tool for the utility vegetation manager.