Eversource To Attack "Ongoing Crisis" Of Dead And Dying Trees

BETHEL, CT — Regional power utility Eversource has announced it will be investing more than $83 million in tree trimming and tree removal in 2020, as "the ongoing crisis of dead, dying and hazardous trees continues to plague communities across Connecticut and threaten electric reliability."

The vegetation maintenance program will see trees along more than 4,200 miles of roadside overhead distribution lines across 131 communities around the state.

"With the weakened state of impacted trees throughout Connecticut due to ongoing infestations by the gypsy moth and emerald ash borer, trimming and removing hazardous trees is vital," said Eversource vegetation management manager Alan Carey. "Our team of licensed arborists identifies compromised trees around the state that threaten the electric system and work closely with community leaders to carefully balance the aesthetics of neighborhoods and the need for reliable power for our customers."

Some of the most extensive work is scheduled to be done in Waterbury along nearly 170 miles of city streets. Trees will also be trimmed along 124 miles of roads in Greenwich, 107 miles in Woodbury, 105 miles in New Milford and 101 miles in Westport. Other communities where tree work will be completed include Torrington, Stamford, Middletown, Washington and Wolcott.

The energy company has also taken the opportunity to remind area residents to keep branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. Eversource "strongly recommends" contacting a professional tree service to perform this work.