BOSTON – Those who have lived anywhere in New England understand just how bad the weather can get. From brutally cold winter storms to sporadic nor’easters, trees seem to be the most common casualties of these storms.
Last year’s back-to-back nor’easters brought down tens of thousands of trees across the commonwealth, causing extensive damage to the electric system.
To fortify the electric distribution system against such extreme weather, Eversource works is investing approximately $41 million this year towards tree trimming and hazardous tree removal to enhance system reliability for customers throughout Massachusetts.
“The long-lasting effects of the drought that plagued the region over the last several years, coupled with consecutive infestations by the gypsy moth and the emerald ash borer have weakened trees around the state,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Bob Allen.
“Removing hazardous trees is vital to ensure our customers have energy for every moment of their lives. Our team of certified arborists are experts at identifying vulnerable trees that threaten the electric system and they work closely with community leaders to carefully balance the aesthetics of neighborhoods and the need for electric reliability.”
As part of its comprehensive vegetation management plan for 2019, Eversource will be trimming trees along more than 3,000 miles of overhead lines around the state.
Among the 75 Eastern Massachusetts communities where tree trimming will be performed this year, some of the most extensive work will be done in Plymouth along 100 miles of electric lines. Trees will also be trimmed along 100 miles in Wareham, 30 miles in Wellfleet and 70 miles in Barnstable.
Other communities where pruning will be completed include Walpole, Carlisle, Watertown and Southborough. Eversource notifies customers in advance if trimming is necessary on their property.
In addition to all the work Eversource crews do to minimize the effects of trees on electric service reliability, the company reminds customers that homeowners are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property. That includes 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 contacting a professional tree service to perform this work.
Eversource provides electricity to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and the South Coast.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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