General

OPPD’s contractor tree crews use training day to give back to Omaha 

One big pull, and the old tree came crashing down. 

Moments earlier, a Wright Tree Service crew member had crouched at the base of a dying evergreen in Omaha’s Miller Park. His chainsaw chewed a big notch into the dried-out wood and bark. A rope tied high on the trunk stretched to a spot 100 feet away, where a trainer showed other tree-crew workers how to properly set a carabiner, locking system and pulleys into a “hauler kit” that could pull the tree down efficiently. 

Crack! The evergreen’s trunk splintered and the tree flopped over, landing with a hearty thump in a cloud of orange needles and dust. 

Every year, OPPD hosts tree-contractor training days with a dual purpose: a) ensure that everyone who works with OPPD is up to date on safe, current practices, and b) use their skills to benefit the community. 

This year, workers cleared dead trees and branches in Miller Park, a neighborhood gathering spot in historic North Omaha. 

Even though they aren’t OPPD employees, contracted tree crews are often among the first utility representatives that the public sees after major storms. Crews also work year-round on preventative vegetation management, an important but delicate job that requires courtesy and transparency with customers who aren’t always thrilled about tree work in their yards. 

“We’re all one team, and we all share the same mission,” OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez told the group. “Customers just see people outside – dedicated heroes who are working to restore power.” 

A core service

Preventing overgrowth is a big reason that OPPD promotes “right tree, right place” guidelines. Those guidelines help property owners plant trees safely around overhead and underground utility lines. Proper placement prevents electrical hazards, minimizes outages and helps avoid more expensive emergency tree-trimming. 

This year’s training focused on industry tree-cutting practices, important safety reminders and a quick primer on federal bird and wildlife protections. OPPD’s in-house forestry experts reinforced the importance of treating customers with respect and professionalism. 

“We’re trying to keep the lights on for everyone and ensure they have reliable electrical service,” said OPPD Utility Forester Wade Bliss. “Good customer relations is key. Because what we do can be seen as controversial and invasive to homeowners and their properties, communication is really important.” 

Communicating early and often

Long before a crew arrives to trim trees on private property, OPPD reaches out to affected owners in multiple ways. 

Phone calls and door hangers come first. When work begins, crew leaders knock on the doors of every affected home to explain the work and answer any questions. 

The job requires courtesy, people skills and a willingness to listen and work through any concerns. The idea, Bliss said, is to leave homeowners with a good perception and an understanding of why the work is necessary. 

“When communication is effective and thorough, we can help eliminate controversy and any concerns that customers might have,” Bliss told tree crew members during one training seminar. “When we’re out there during work hours, we’re representing OPPD, we’re representing Wright Tree Service, and we’re representing ourselves.” 

Bliss reminded crews about the importance of first impressions and professionalism. 

“If we’re dotting our I’s and crossing our T’s, if we look professional and act professional, we’re going to put the customer at ease,” Bliss said. “It’s always really important to show respect, have empathy and be professional.