Q&A on the News

Q: Why does Georgia Power have to use such powerful spray to kill small trees and weeds under power lines. I understand the weeds being sprayed, but not small trees. I am frustrated every time I see small trees killed by this spray. Wouldn’t it be easier to cut the trees?

—Louise Pletcher, Cedartown

A: Herbicides allows for the selective removal of undesirable vegetation with minimal impact to the surrounding environment while extending the time between more invasive practices, such as mowing and manual practices, Georgia Power spokesman Mark Williams told Q&A on the News in an email. "Maintaining rights-of-way with an integrated vegetation management (IVM) program, including herbicides, frequently results in more ecologically healthy and aesthetically pleasing corridors than those maintained only by mechanical means," Williams wrote. Mechanical or manual practices often are not the most efficient ways to control vegetation, he wrote. " They can cause vegetation to re-sprout and grow back thicker and fuller, requiring more maintenance. Georgia Power uses qualified contractors to apply herbicides. They are trained and licensed to handle, transport and utilize herbicides and pesticides in accordance with Georgia law."

Q: Is Judge Shira Scheindlin in New York City related to TV’s Judge Judy or her husband Jerry?

—Toni Wickham, Acworth

A: Scheindlin is not related to Judy Sheindlin, who is Judge Judy on the TV show, or her husband Jerry, a former judge. Shira Scheindlin spells her name with a "c" after the "S," unlike the Sheindlins.