Tree Trimming Underway In Somerset Hills Area

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — During April and May, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) plans to spend nearly $34 million in 2017 to trim trees along 3,600 miles of power lines to maintain proper clearances around electrical equipment and help prevent tree-related outages.

The work is being performed in nearly 80 municipalities across JCP&L's 13-county northern and central New Jersey service areas, including in Somerset County.

Somerset County municipalities include:

• Bedminster Township,
• Bernards Township,
• Borough of Bernardsville,
• Borough of Peapack Gladstone

"Proper tree trimming helps reduce the frequency and duration of power outages," said Mark Jones, vice president, Operations, JCP&L. "Our foresters and certified tree experts work year-round to properly maintain trees and vegetation. This work pays dividends in fewer service disruptions, particularly during severe storms that can do tremendous damage to trees, which then have the potential to damage our equipment."

JCP&L's tree trimming program, conducted by certified forestry contractors under the company's direction, includes inspecting vegetation near the lines to ensure trees are pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Trees that present a danger or are diseased may also be removed.

Customers living in areas along company rights-of-way will be notified before work is performed.

(Image via Ildar Sagdejev (Specious))

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