50 Miles Of Tree Work Planned For Newtown By Eversource

NEWTOWN, CT — Eversource is planning more than 50 miles of tree work in Newtown this year to trim trees that could bring down overhead electric lines during storms, according to officials.

The work will begin this spring and stretch into the fall and will cover all or parts of the following areas (weather permitting):

• Route 34
• Hammertown
• Bennetts Bridge and Chestnut Hill roads
• Bradley Lane
• Lakeview Terrace
• Toddy Hill
• Botsford Hill and Bear Hills roads

Eversource arborists identified the trees to trim, and utility company contracted with Lewis Tree Service to do most of the work.

"The arborists work directly with community leaders and tree wardens, including in Newtown, to address these trees with trimming or removal, if necessary," said Eversource spokesperson Mitch Gross. "We have a year-round, comprehensive tree trimming and hazardous tree removal program that is critical to ensure reliable service for customers and help reduce the number of tree-related power outages."

Eversource reminds property owners that they are responsible for the trees on their properties, including keeping branches away from the electric line that runs from their homes to the main utility lines on the street.

"We always recommend that work be done by a professional tree service," Gross said. "We also have a list of 30 recommended trees that grow to under 30 feet in height and won’t interfere with the overhead electric lines, and our website, Eversource.com, has lots of information about our comprehensive vegetation management program."