Submitted by Mitch Gross, Eversource.
BERLIN, Conn. (April 30, 2021) – In honor of Arbor Day, Eversource is partnering with the Connecticut Notable Tree Committee and the Tree Wardens Association of Connecticut to improve the health of some of Connecticut’s notable trees while improving electric reliability for customers. The team is collaborating to address the condition of some of Connecticut’s largest and historic trees near power lines that are part of the larger collection of 3,600 notable trees around the state.
“We’re essentially giving thousands of the state’s oldest and most impressive trees a health checkup and a chance to live a longer and healthier life,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Supervisor Doug Pistawka. “To me, there’s no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than by removing defective tree limbs that are dead, decayed and insect infested from otherwise healthy trees that are located near power lines.”
The volunteer-led Notable Trees Project was established in 1985 to maintain record of and preserve the most historic trees that are a valued feature of the state’s cultural landscape. Eversource’s collaboration with the Connecticut Notable Tree Committee and the Tree Wardens Association of Connecticut to conduct essential maintenance pruning will not only improve the overall health of the state’s cherished natural heritage, it will also reduce the likelihood of tree-related power outages.
“This is an important effort to preserve, maintain, and protect some of Connecticut’s oldest and most valued trees,” said President of the Tree Wardens Association of Connecticut Kevin Kelly. “Without proper pruning, trees can become a safety hazard which is why removing branches that are decayed, diseased, or infested with insects is so important to improve the overall health of a tree, increase its lifespan and enhance its beauty.”
“We’re happy to partner with the Tree Wardens Association of Connecticut and Eversource to celebrate Arbor Day by caring for our notable trees,” said Connecticut’s Notable Trees Project Co-chair Frank Kaputa. “It’s not just about improving the health of these trees but also bringing awareness to Connecticut residents about the Notable
Trees Project’s mission to protect these treasured natural resources across our state.”
With trees across Connecticut continuing to suffer from the devastating impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer, Gypsy Moth infestations and drought conditions, Eversource’s year-round, comprehensive tree trimming and hazardous tree removal programs are critical to addressing the problem and reducing the number of tree-related power outages customers experience. Eversource’s licensed arborists appreciate trees and implement a thoughtful plan that balances customers’ need for reliable service and the natural beauty and many other benefits that trees provide. As part of this commitment to environmental stewardship, Eversource plants thousands of trees across its service
territory each year and donates thousands more saplings to be planted in neighborhoods and public spaces. In 2020, the energy company planted more than 6,500 trees along power lines to replace trees that needed to be removed to deliver safe and reliable power.
Additionally, the energy company reminds customers that addressing the crisis is a shared responsibility between utilities and tree owners. Homeowners are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property, including keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. Eversource strongly recommends customers contact a professional tree service to perform this work. Property owners should also be sure to plan before they plant and review the energy company’s list of 30 recommended trees under 30 feet tall that can be planted near roadside or overhead electric distribution lines.
The team will address notable trees in Avon, Canton, Coventry, East Granby, Middlebury, New Milford, Old Saybrook, Portland, Scotland, Southington, and Waterford.
