Eversource Plans Massive Tree Trimming Project in Wilton

If you haven't noticed, there are some towns around the state where the trees have become a power hazard.

With the storms and high winds we've been experiencing, and after seeing firsthand the massive devastation caused by Tropical Storm Isaias last summer, it's become a nightmare for Eversource to keep the power on.

Now, Eversource is planning on trimming those trees and have invested some $72 million dollars to clean things up and upgrade reliability for customers.

Get our free mobile app

According to patch.com, the company is planning on trimming trees over more than 4,200 miles of power lines across the state. The most aggressive trimming will be done in Wilton where some 131 miles of power line tree trimming is not only needed, but it's way overdue.

Alan Carey who is the Vegetation Management Manager at Eversourse explained just why this work is necessary.

As we saw last summer during some severe storms, trees are the number one cause of power outages and trimming trees away from electric lines and removing dead or hazard trees is critical — especially as fierce weather seems to impact our region more frequently, also long-term effects of drought as well as gypsy moth and emerald ash borer infestations have severely weakened trees statewide.

Carey does admit to patch.com that with this type of massive project, Eversource can't do it alone.

While we trim and remove hazardous trees every day along state and local roads, we can’t stress enough the importance of communities and customers working collaboratively with us to support these efforts so we can reduce the number of tree-related power outages.

The utility company is asking their customers to lend a helping hand in this massive project by bringing in a professional tree service company, if necessary, to clear areas between their residence and the actual power lines on the street. Residents should not attempt this on their own. Power lines can be dangerous and in some cases deadly.

Some other towns in the state that will see a significant amount of tree work will be Ridgefield, East Haddam, Stonington, Bristol, Southington, and Stamford.

Here's a look at how and why these tree trimming projects are so important for Eversource customers.