UP deploys helicopters to manage vegetation

Union Pacific Railroad recently increased spending on its vegetation-management program, particularly its use of helicopters, according to an article on UP’s Inside Track website.

The helicopters are equipped with suspended saws to trim hard-to-reach tree limbs in dense or rugged terrain.

“Helicopter removal is an efficient and safe method of controlling brush in areas a hyrail brushcutter could not reach,” said Tanya Buck, manager-track program vegetation. “By proactively minimizing the risk of fallen trees at high elevations, we can restore service more quickly following hurricanes and other natural disasters.”

The program also uses hi-rail trucks and other on- and off-track equipment to spray weeds and cut brush on the ground.

UP has treated vegetation surrounding more than 19,000 crossings across its system so far in 2024, according to Patrick Mills, UP senior manager-vegetation.

“Our vegetation program successfully reduces the risk of wildfires, controls noxious weeds and promotes growth of low-growing vegetation species that help control erosion and allow for the free flow of rainwater,” Mills said.