TAYLOR — DTE Energy will begin herbicide treatments across Taylor this month as part of the utility’s tree trim program.
DTE estimates that two-thirds of power outages are due to problematic vegetation around power lines.
Some highlights are:
• Communication with customers will be done by the contractors, who will leave door hangers if the landowner is not home. A second attempt will be made when the contractor will come back to collect the door hanger.
• Door hangers and the herbicides web page have illustrations depicting what to expect following herbicide treatment.
• No property will be treated with herbicides unless DTE has been given documented permission: a signed door hanger permit or approval sent by email.
• The chemicals used will be listed on the door hanger and on DTE’s herbicides web page.
• All chemicals are approved by EPA and of strengths comparable with household chemicals.
• A 10-foot buffer will be left to sensitive areas (parks, pastures, landscaped areas, bodies of water, etc.).
• No spraying will be done within 100 feet of an inhabited house if the owner does not give permission to do so.