Submitted by Mitch Gross, Eversource.
BERLIN, Conn. (July 14, 2020) – First was the Emerald Ash Borer, then the drought of 2016/2017 along with the Gypsy Moth infestation and now – more dry conditions for trees in New England. As these devastating issues continue to plague Connecticut’s landscape, Eversource is working closely with community leaders to address the dead, hazardous trees along roads across the state that threaten overhead electric lines while continuing to operate under its COVID-19 pandemic plan.
“This year, we’re investing more than $83 million, trimming branches and removing hazardous trees along more than 4,200 miles of roads before they come down on our electric lines and disrupt power to our customers,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Alan Carey. “But the reality is, a perfect storm of invasive species and weather conditions over the last several years has devastated our trees and there’s an increasing amount of work to do. We’re constantly finding trees that were damaged in the last year or so and are now dead or dying, and there’s no indication when the problem will stop.”
- “There are many declining and defective trees in town, and the threat of unforeseen insect decimation is real.” – Cheshire Deputy Tree Warden Don Nolte
- “We currently have an increased concern with ash tree failure caused by the Emerald Ash Borer throughout our city (and) many of our street trees are potentially capable of disturbing electrical power.” – New London Public Works Superintendent David DeNoia
- “Our budget is not enough to handle all of our removal needs.” – Former Weston Tree Warden Bill Lomas
