Aerial tree trimming begins

Indiana Michigan Power will begin tree trimming near high-voltage transmission lines in southwest Michigan this week.

The process will require the use of an aerial saw, company officials said.

The work is routine maintenance to remove overhanging or encroaching branches that can interfere with reliable energy delivery.

I & M is contracting with Aerial Solutions Inc. to perform the work using a helicopter-based saw. The saw is suspended beneath a helicopter by a vertical boom with multiple blades attached. Aerial trimming is faster and more easily reaches off-road areas than traditional trimming.

The aerial trimming is scheduled to continue through the end of the month. It will take place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday in Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.