Yes, in certain circumstances. We use selective herbicide treatments as part of our Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program associated with vegetation management work near high-voltage transmission lines. This is a follow-up to our annual transmission lines work to control the re-growth of incompatible woody vegetation and trees. Often, PG&E also treats tree stumps following tree removal under distribution lines to prevent re-growth.
We use only Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved herbicides near our transmission power lines and on trees removed under distribution lines. Anyone from PG&E applying herbicides is supervised by a person with a Qualified Applicator License (or similar certification) from the Department of Pesticide Regulations, a division of the California EPA.
Visit our Resources page for more information on wood debris and wood management.