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In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw more than 2,500 wildfires linked to poor vegetation control, causing billions in damage and putting lives at risk.
What’s worse is that vegetation-related issues are the reason for nearly 25% of all power outages in the U.S. When storms roll in or droughts hit hard, a poorly maintained vegetation management program can quickly spiral into a public safety nightmare.
Whether you’re overseeing utility corridors, municipal parks, or private estates, the stakes are really high. Spotting red flags early can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe.
So how can you tell if your program is falling short? Here are 7 major red flags to watch for in your vegetation management program and what to do if you spot them.
If your pruning, mowing, or clearing cycles feel random (or rigid), it’s time for a rethink. Inconsistent maintenance is a glaring red flag that invites trouble. Vegetation doesn’t wait. Studies show trees can grow 2-4 feet per year in ideal conditions, and shrubs can spread even faster. Without regular intervention, overgrowth can encroach on power lines, block access roads, or obscure critical infrastructure.
The risk: A 2022 FERC report found 30% of outages were due to vegetation interference, costing utilities millions in repairs and fines.
Why it’s a problem: Sporadic schedules lead to reactive fixes. If your crews are rushing to clear a hazard after it’s already caused damage, then this reactive approach wastes resources and erodes trust from stakeholders like ratepayers or regulators.
Here's how to fix it: Build a data-driven maintenance calendar tailored to your region’s growth patterns and seasonal risks. Use tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map high-priority areas, such as dense forests near transmission lines. Regular cycles prevent surprises and keep your program proactive. Don’t stick to a rigid cycle and keep your schedules flexible.
If you’re not conducting thorough risk assessments, you’re gambling with safety. Failing to identify hazard trees, those that are diseased, structurally weak, or too close to infrastructure, can lead to devastating consequences.
Did you know?
A 2022 Arbor Day Foundation study revealed that 65% of utility-related outages involved trees that were wrongly labeled “low risk.”
Why it’s a problem:
Without a clear risk profile, you’re prioritizing guesswork over precision. A single overlooked tree can spark a fire, disrupt power, or injure workers.
Fix it: Schedule annual audits with certified arborists who understand local ecosystems. Technologies like drones and LiDAR can map terrain with pinpoint accuracy, identifying vulnerabilities that traditional surveys might miss. A robust assessment and inspection process ensures you’re addressing threats before they escalate.
Vegetation management isn’t just about keeping things tidy. It’s about meeting legal and safety standards. Non-compliance with regulations like NERC FAC-003, which governs vegetation near power lines, can result in fines of up to $1 million per violation. Yet, many programs fail to stay updated or document adherence properly.
As of 2023, utilities have racked up over $7 million in penalties across just nine violations. It’s proof that non-compliance isn’t just risky, it’s incredibly expensive.
Why it’s a problem: Fines are just the start. Non-compliance can halt projects, damage reputations, and erode public trust. Regulators like OSHA and EPA are tightening scrutiny, especially as climate-driven risks grow.
Fix it: Assign a compliance officer to track federal, state, and local guidelines. Invest in compliance tracking software that automates documentation, ensuring you’re audit-ready.
Are your crews still relying on paper logs, clipboards, or gut instinct? Manual processes are a recipe for inefficiency and errors. Companies using outdated methods spend more on labor due to rework, miscommunication, and redundant tasks. In contrast, digital workflows can significantly cut operational costs.
Why it’s a problem: Manual systems struggle to scale with large or complex sites. They also make it harder to track progress or spot trends, leaving you vulnerable to oversight. For example, a missed pruning cycle in a remote area could go unnoticed until it’s too late.
To fix it: Transition to digital tools like KYRO’s vegetation management platform, which streamlines planning, monitoring, and reporting. These solutions integrate real-time data, reducing errors and freeing up crews for high-value work. Technology isn’t a luxury today. It’s a necessity for modern programs.
Real results: One client cut delays and boosted compliance by switching to KYRO’s digital forms and dashboards, turning data into decisions, fast.
Vegetation management often affects neighborhoods, from tree removals to herbicide applications. Ignoring community concerns can ignite backlash, delaying projects or worse.
In 2022, 15% of utility vegetation projects faced disruptions due to public protests over poor communication, according to the Edison Electric Institute.
Why it’s a problem: Communities care about their environment and safety. Without transparency, rumors spread, and trust erodes. A single viral social media post can turn a routine job into a PR crisis.
To fix it: Develop a proactive outreach strategy. Host town halls, distribute clear project timelines, and explain how your work enhances safety and sustainability. For instance, highlight how clearing invasive species protects local biodiversity. Engaged communities become partners, not adversaries.
Your crew is your front line. Untrained crews are more likely to miss hazards, like diseased trees or improper pruning cuts that weaken branches.
Why it’s a problem: Mistakes aren’t just costly, they’re dangerous. A poorly executed cut can destabilize a tree, endangering workers and nearby infrastructure.
To fix it: Prioritize ongoing education. Encourage certifications like ISA’s Certified Arborist or utility vegetation management credentials. Regular workshops on safety protocols, equipment use, and local flora keep skills sharp. A well-trained team will be your first line of defense.
Climate change is rewriting the rules of vegetation management. Droughts, storms, and invasive species are surging. 2024 saw a 20% spike in invasive pest damage to U.S. forests, per the USDA. Programs that ignore these shifts are increasingly vulnerable.
Why it’s a problem: Extreme weather amplifies risks. A drought-weakened tree is more likely to fall, and storms can turn overgrown brush into fire fuel.
Here’s how you can fix it: Build adaptability into your strategy. Use integrated vegetation management programs, monitor weather forecasts and pest alerts through local extension services. Diversify your approach, combine mechanical clearing with targeted herbicide use to manage invasive species. Flexibility ensures your program stays resilient.
Important red flag: Crew burnout
Along with the above red flags, another most common and critical one is this. Even the most advanced strategy fails without a healthy team. Crew fatigue and burnout are growing concerns in vegetation management—especially during long projects and emergency response.
Simple changes like enforced breaks, meal planning, and crew monitoring can reduce accidents and improve morale. KYRO helps schedule and track breaks to ensure compliance with labor safety standards.
Every one of these warning signs has a cost. Whether it’s a PR nightmare, regulatory fine, injured worker, or a wildfire that could’ve been prevented. A single vegetation-related outage can cost up to $1.5 million per hour, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s before you consider the reputational damage and the human toll. But addressing these issues doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With KYRO’s all-in-one vegetation management platform, you can:
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight but just take the first step.
Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Review your vegetation management program today. Audit your processes. Talk to your teams. And explore smarter tools that help you stay ahead of the curve.
With the right utility vegetation management software like KYRO and a forward-thinking strategy, you can protect your assets, your community, and your peace of mind.
Ready to level up your vegetation management program? Schedule a free demo with KYRO today.