Claim OwnershipTrees & Lines: A Utility Vegetation Management Podcast
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© 2025 Trees and Lines
Description
Utility vegetation management (UVM) manages risks and controls vegetation that could potentially threaten power lines, railways, roadways, etc. It is perhaps one of the most important fields of environmental impact in the 21st century and is especially important in the U.S., where it is the largest factor in managing outages and the reliability of utilities.In Trees & Lines utility vegetation management podcast, veteran Phil Charlton and Iapetus COO Tej Singh discuss the future of this critical industry and together with keynote guests explore how UVM industry leaders are investing in new technologies, redefining safety culture, addressing ESG (environmental, social, governance) initiatives, and bringing awareness to career opportunities in the burgeoning field of UVM. It's a fresh take on an industry that once operated quietly and is now part of a global discussion with mainstream visibility.
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102 Episodes
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Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Chris Rooney, Forestry Manager at Rhode Island Energy, joins us to discuss how legislation can be a powerful tool for utilities looking to deliver more consistent, effective vegetation management programs. Chris shares how Rhode Island Energy navigated a major corporate transition from National Grid to PPL Corporation and used that moment as an opportunity to advocate for state level legislation that formalizes their forestry planning process. He explains how the law brings municipalities to the table, enhances community notification, and creates a four year planning cycle with real stakeholder input. The conversation also covers managing a remarkably diverse urban forest across 38 cities and towns, building a Right Tree, Right Place program, and why collaboration with lawmakers, the PUC, and community partners is now central to Rhode Island Energy's vegetation management strategy. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #UtilityOperations #RightTreeRightPlace #EnergyInfrastructure #Utilities #UrbanForestry #StormPreparedness #SafetyCulture #UtilityInnovation #WorkplaceSafety #LeadershipLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Stan Vera-Art, President and Creative Catalyst at Grow With Trees, joins us to discuss how the industry is shifting from vegetation control to habitat creation. Stan shares insights from a cross-industry effort to develop an Infrastructure Land Stewardship Certification and explains how utilities and right-of-way managers are embracing a stewardship mindset. He discusses early pilot programs, biodiversity metrics, and how rewarding crews for habitat outcomes can strengthen retention and professional pride while transforming corridors into sustainability assets. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #HabitatCreation #RightOfWay #InfrastructureStewardship #Biodiversity #UtilityLeadership #Sustainability #WorkforceDevelopment #Utilities #LeadershipLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Don Adcock, Sr. Manager, Power Delivery Vegetation Mgmt Operations at Entergy, joins us to discuss how utilities are transitioning from traditional time-based vegetation cycles to more targeted, risk-based planning. Don shares how Entergy has evolved its approach in response to wildfire risk, storm exposure, regulatory pressure, and rapid load growth across the Southeast. He explains how circuit segmentation, condition-based triggers, and emerging technology help utilities focus resources where risk is highest while maintaining safety, reliability, and cost discipline. The conversation also covers contractor partnerships, regulatory coordination, and why vegetation management is now central to overall utility risk mitigation. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #RiskBasedManagement #GridReliability #WildfireMitigation #StormPreparedness #EnergyInfrastructure #UtilityOperations #SafetyCulture #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #WorkplaceSafety #LeadershipLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Megan Petraitis, Senior Program Manager at UIC Energy Resources Center, joins us to discuss how right-of-way lands are becoming critical habitats for pollinators like monarch butterflies and bumblebees. Megan shares how the Right-of-Way is Habitat Working Group brings together utilities, transportation agencies, and regulators to advance voluntary conservation through targeted vegetation management practices. She explains how conservation agreements create regulatory certainty, reduce costs, and support biodiversity while aligning with utility operations. Have a listen, hope you enjoy! #VegetationManagement #PollinatorHabitat #UtilityArboriculture #RightOfWay #Monarchs #Bumblebees #Sustainability #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #Conservation #Utilities #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #ExecutiveStrategy #LeadershipLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Jenna Turner, Manager Vegetation Management at Eversource Energy, and Kathleen Ferrier, Supervisor Transmission Vegetation Mgmt. at Eversource Energy, join us to discuss how the industry can better support women in utility forestry and leadership roles. Jenna and Kathleen share their experiences navigating a historically male-dominated field, the importance of visibility and mentorship, and how intentional recruiting, training, and culture-building can attract more women into UVM careers. They also highlight how conversations around inclusion are shifting, why early outreach matters, and how contractors, utilities, and leaders can create environments where women feel seen, supported, and empowered. Have a listen, hope you enjoy! #VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #WomenInForestry #WomenInEnergy #EnergyInfrastructure #Arboriculture #GridReliability #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #Sustainability #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Elvy Barton, Water and Forest Sustainability Senior Manager at Salt River Project, joins us to discuss how utilities are approaching forest health, wildfire mitigation, and long-term landscape resilience. Elvy shares how watershed protection has driven large-scale forest restoration efforts, the role of partnerships in reducing wildfire severity, and how biomass utilization, including biochar, is creating new opportunities for sustainability, carbon benefits, and community impact. She also reflects on climate pressures, changing forest conditions, and why proactive forest management is critical for protecting infrastructure, water resources, and communities. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #ForestHealth #WildfireMitigation #Biochar #Biomass #EnergyInfrastructure #Sustainability #WatershedManagement #UtilityLeadership #ClimateResilience #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Sven Przywarra, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of LiveEO, joins us to discuss how satellite technology and AI are reshaping vegetation management on a global scale. Sven shares insights on the rapid evolution of remote sensing, the widening adoption of AI across utilities, and how different regions around the world approach risk, reliability, and modernization. He also reflects on emerging trends, shifting user behavior, and the role of global collaboration as the industry undergoes accelerated change. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #SatelliteData #AI #RemoteSensing #GlobalInnovation #EnergyInfrastructure #GridReliability #UtilityTechnology #Sustainability #UtilityInnovation #LeadershipLessons #ExecutiveStrategy #Utilities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Josh Beaver, Senior Vice President, Forestry & Utility, at Eocene Environmental Group, joins us to discuss how leadership, collaboration, and innovation are shaping the next era of utility arboriculture. Josh shares insights on engaging new professionals, expanding opportunities for mentorship, and fostering a culture of growth and connection across the industry. He also reflects on the exciting momentum driving new technologies, diverse partnerships, and the continued evolution of the arboriculture community. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #Arboriculture #GridReliability #UrbanForestry #EnergyInfrastructure #Sustainability #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #CommunityEngagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Rebecca Lasica, SVP, Commercial Sales and Business Development at NV5 Geospatial, joins us to discuss how advanced analytics, AI, and language-driven tools are transforming vegetation management. Rebecca explains how NV5 is helping utilities modernize data processing, move from schedule-based to risk-based management, and use natural language models to make data more accessible for field professionals. She also explores how technology and collaboration are breaking down barriers to efficiency, safety, and decision-making across the grid. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #AI #DataAnalytics #NV5 #UtilityTechnology #EnergyInfrastructure #RiskBasedManagement #Sustainability #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #UtilityLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Brett Kasten, President & CEO at GeoDigital, joins us to talk about how utilities are transforming raw data into actionable insights. Brett shares how GeoDigital combines 3D modeling, high-resolution imagery, and AI analytics to help utilities create digital twins, improve vegetation management, and strengthen grid reliability. He also discusses how innovation, collaboration, and data-driven planning are helping utilities make smarter investment decisions for a more resilient grid. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #DigitalTwin #UtilityTechnology #EnergyInfrastructure #DataAnalytics #AI #Sustainability #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #UtilityLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Daniel Bridenstine, Lead Consulting Arborist for Tree and Line Consulting LLC, joins us to talk about the future of arboriculture and how to engage the next generation of professionals. Daniel shares how early education, mentorship, and outreach are helping young people discover careers in tree care and utility vegetation management. He also highlights how communication and community connection are shaping a stronger, more informed relationship between arborists and the public. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!The views shared by Daniel Bridenstine are his own and do not represent Rocky Mountain Power or any affiliated entities. He attended the event independently as part of Tree and Line LLC.#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #Arboriculture #TreeCare #UtilityForestry #GridReliability #UrbanForestry #EnergyInfrastructure #Sustainability #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #UtilityLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Yamille Del Valle, Program Manager at EPRI, and Don Von Dollen, Senior Program Manager at EPRI, join us to discuss how EPRI is driving innovation where agriculture meets utility research. They share how utilities and researchers are collaborating through EPRI’s Distribution Forum to advance vegetation management, test emerging technologies, and define best practices for a more reliable, resilient grid. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityResearch #EPRI #GridReliability #UtilityLeadership #Innovation #AI #UtilityArboriculture #EnergyInfrastructure #Sustainability #UtilityLeadership #UtilityOperations #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #UtilityInnovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Dennis Fallon, Executive Director of the Utility Arborist Association (UAA), and Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, join us to discuss how collaboration between arborists and utilities is shaping the future of vegetation management. They explore global partnerships, the importance of professional and sustainable arboriculture, and how innovation and inclusion are driving meaningful change. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #ArborDayFoundation #UAA #UrbanForestry #EnergyInfrastructure #TreeTrimming #UtilityOperations #RightTreeRightPlace #LeadershipLessons #Sustainability #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy #UtilityLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Paul Putman, President and CEO of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), joins us to talk about the critical role of research in advancing utility arboriculture, the importance of making research accessible to professionals in the field, and how endowments like the Utility Arborist Research Fund (UARF) are shaping the industry’s future.He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the Tour des Trees, a 400-mile cycling event that combines fundraising, education, and community engagement for a greener future. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#UtilityArboriculture #VegetationManagement #TREEFund #GridReliability #UrbanForestry #ArboricultureResearch #Sustainability #EnergyInfrastructure #UAA #ISA #TourDesTrees #TreesAndLinesPodcast #LeadershipLessons #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Cody Flint, Vegetation Management Leader at AES Indiana, joins us to discuss how vegetation management serves as the operational backbone of grid safety. Cody shares how AES shifted to circuit-based trimming, the lessons learned from AI risk-based tools, and why customer education and empathy are critical for long-term reliability. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #GridSafety #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #PowerGrid #EnergyInfrastructure #UtilityOperations #TreeTrimming #ReliabilityMetrics #LeadershipLessons #RiskManagement #ContractorManagement #UtilityInnovation #Utilities #ExecutiveStrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our Linkedin page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Rachel Steudle, Director of Operations at DTE Energy, joins us to share insights into the evolving challenges of vegetation management, the importance of data driven decision making, and how DTE is balancing customer engagement, affordability, and long term grid resilience. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #EnergyInfrastructure #DTEEnergy #PowerGrid #ExecutiveStrategy #ClimateResilience #UtilityInnovation #InfrastructureManagement #SmartGrid #CrisisPreparedness #EnergyOperations #TreeTrimming #UtilityCrisisPlanning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our Linkedin page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Sara Race, Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist at ComEd, shares how one of Illinois' largest landowners is transforming utility corridors into thriving native prairie ecosystems. We also discuss ComEd's pollinator programs, how their environmental programming is reducing risk and enhancing community trust, and how they are protecting endangered species habitats. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#UtilityVegetationManagement #UVM #EnvironmentalCompliance #GridSustainability #ComEd #PollinatorPrograms #PrairieRestoration #CarbonNeutrality #UtilityLeadership #RightOfWayManagement #ISO14001 #RiskMitigation #GHGReduction #NetZeroUtilities #SustainableInfrastructure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our Linkedin page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. In this episode, we talk about how a lack of diverse representation is undermining industry growth. Hear how Sara Dreiser is addressing this systemic challenge and why it’s time for a cultural shift. Have a listen, hope you enjoy! #UtilityVegetationManagement #UVM #UtilityLeadership #DiversityInUtilities #WomenInEnergy #VegetationControl #ComEd #RemoteSensing #InnovationInUtilities #GridReliability #StormPreparedness #Exelon #WorkforceDiversity #TreeManagement #EnergyIndustry #UtilityOperations #SafetyInUtilities #InfrastructureResilience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our Linkedin page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Today, Scott Sharpe, Sustainable Landscape Coordinator for Marathon Petroleum Corporation, joins us to discuss how his team reengineered the playbook around Integrated Vegetation Management for his industry. With IVM, herbicide strategy, and advanced flyover inspections, their small internal team built a cost-effective, scalable, and regulation-ready program. This episode reveals how strategic thinking reshaped an entire pipeline operation. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #IntegratedVegetationManagement #PipelineMaintenance #RightOfWay #UtilityLeadership #InfrastructureStrategy #EnergySector #CostReduction #SustainableLandscaping #PipelineSafety #HerbicideStrategy #UtilityInnovation #ExecutiveInsights #IVM #OperationalExcellence #EnvironmentalCompliance #EnergyInfrastructure #AssetManagement #PublicUtility #TreesAndLinesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get the latest updates from our Linkedin page! https://onelink.to/treesandlines Welcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Andy Olson, COO of East Central Energy, shares with us essential strategies every utility executive needs in the Veg Management industry, how investment and grant management are powering necessary evolution, and how he is fostering lasting relationships with contractor partners. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityLeadership #FiberInfrastructure #RuralBroadband #ExecutiveInsights #DigitalTransformation #LeadershipLessons #SafetyStandards #RiskManagement #SmartGrid #RenewableEnergy #InfrastructureResilience #ContractorManagement #StrategicLeadership #Innovation #Utilities #EnergyIndustry #BroadbandExpansion #ReliabilityMetrics #ExecutiveExcellence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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