Submitted by Sarah Paduano, Eversource
(November 21, 2024) — Autumn can be a great time to plant, and as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship while ensuring electric reliability for customers, Eversource has released a new planting guide for property owners. Nature’s Natives highlights a variety of plant species that not only thrive in New England but are also utility-compatible, helping customers make informed choices when planting near power lines.
“This new resource is the brainchild of our dedicated arborists, who are deeply passionate about plants and the positive impact they have on the environment,” said Eversource Manager of Vegetation Coordination, Strategy and Innovation Bob Allen. “Native plants play a vital role in the overall health of our ecosystems by supporting wildlife habitats, pollinators and helping to conserve water and soil since they’re better adapted to the local climate. Another significant benefit – the species in this guide can grow near power lines without posing a risk to the safety and reliability of the electric system. By supporting our natural neighbors, we can cultivate a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable landscape for all to enjoy.”
New England is the most heavily forested region in the country, and while trees of all types and sizes are a treasured part of the landscape, they also can cause problems when they grow too close to power lines. Every year, tree limbs and branches come in contact with the thousands of miles of power lines that Eversource maintains across its three-state service territory – causing outages, damaging equipment, and creating potential public safety hazards such as blocked roads. The company’s robust and thoughtful vegetation management programs are designed to balance the important benefits that trees and plants provide with the need for safe, reliable power.
Recently recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation for its thoughtful vegetation management programs that balance aesthetics with the need for electric reliability, Eversource’s arborists also share their knowledge through educational partnerships that teach municipalities and the public about the importance of native vegetation in the region and how to plan before they plant.
Since the release of the “Nature’s Natives” planting guide, Eversource has distributed the brochure to more than 500 municipalities and 1,200 garden centers across the company’s service territory to assist with selecting the right plants for the right place. Customers who are interested in learning more about landscaping with native plants can download a free copy of the guide here.
