1. (a) While trimming trees as part of the LEC’s maintenance program, the LEC shall consider the health of plant life involved, the goodwill of property owners, and the safety of personnel to the extent practical.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Trees that may interfere with communications facilities shall be trimmed or removed.

   2. (2) Factors to be considered in determining the extent of tree trimming required include:

      1. (A) Normal tree growth;
      2. (B) The combined movement of trees and conductors under adverse weather conditions;
      3. (C) Capacity and toll usage;
      4. (D) Sagging of conductors at elevated temperatures; and
      5. (E) Economic trimming cycles.
3. (c) Where the LEC determines trimming or removal is not practical, the conductor shall be separated from the tree with suitable materials or devices to avoid conductor damage by abrasion and grounding of the circuit through the tree.

Codification Notes: This section was promulgated as Rule 10.04 of the Telecommunications Providers Rules prior to codification in the Code of Arkansas Rules.