Helicopters are frequently referred to colloquially as choppers, and in the case of LaRoche Tree and Aerial Solutions it’s more appropriate than ever inasmuch as they are under contract by Indiana Michigan Power to launch aerial tree trimming operations next week in both Southwestern Michigan and Northwestern Indiana.
Saying that they are committed to balancing the importance of trees with the equally important need to deliver electricity safely and reliably, I&M has announced the annual tree-trimming operations will get underway next week. The specialty tree trimming takes place near transmission power lines in the region using an aerial saw lowered from a hovering helicopter.
Trimming will begin on Monday, April 26th and last approximately 4-to-5 weeks, running Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, weather permitting, near transmission power lines in the following counties:
- Indiana:
- Elkhart
- Laporte
- Lake
- Porter
- Joseph
- Michigan:
- Berrien
- Cass
- Kalamazoo
- Joseph
- Van Buren
Customers may see and hear a helicopter-based-tree-trimming saw near transmission power lines as I&M works with LaRoche Tree and Aerial Solutions. The tree-trimming tool is suspended beneath a helicopter by a vertical boom with multiple motor power saw blades attached. The helicopter will fly at tree-top heights while they are working.
Aerial trimming is faster and more easily reaches areas away from roadways than traditional tree trimming crews using ground-based equipment.
Customers with questions should contact I&M at 1-800-311-4634.
