BERLIN, Conn. (May 8, 2023) – As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce tree-related power outages across the state, Eversource is addressing trees that threaten electric reliability in 131 communities this year. In South Glastonbury, the energy company is trimming or removing trees along 29 miles of town roads. 

“Trees continue to be the primary cause of power outages, especially during a storm, so identifying weak, diseased and hazardous trees along town roads and trimming or removing them before they cause a problem is critical,” said Eversource Manager of Vegetation Management in Connecticut Sean Redding. “While we all love our trees, we’ve seen firsthand the damage they can cause to the electric system. Our comprehensive and consistent tree trimming program helps to improve day-to-day reliability during all types of weather and we continue to see fewer power outages where this work has been done – that’s why this work is so vital.” 

Tree work will get underway in the coming days and is expected to be complete by the end of July. Work will be done along Belltown, Chestnut Hill, Clark Hill, Coldbrook, Cotton Hollow, Country Club, Dayton, Dug, Foote, Grindle Brook, High Ridge, Hopewell, Lakewood, Matson Hill and Stockade roads; Main, Purtill, Tryon, Water and Woodland streets; Blueberry, Ferry and Old Maids lanes; Dean Drive and Hopewell Heights. 

The energy company is closely coordinating its plan with community leaders and communicating with property owners to explain details of the work being done and their option to keep the wood cut on their property. As a reminder, all contractors carry proper identification, will never ask to enter a private residence, and there is no cost to the property owner for this work. 

Residents with questions about the roadside work can contact Glastonbury Tree Warden Gregory A. Foran (860-652-7686; gregory.foran@glastonbury-ct.gov) or Eversource arborist Jesse Fedak (860-267-3806; jesse.fedak@eversource.com).

In addition, the energy company reminds customers that 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 contacting a professional tree service to perform this work. For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program, please visit Eversource.com.  

Mitch Gross 

(860) 665-5221