By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
United Illuminating has begun the latest phase of its tree care program to reduce the amount of vegetation that UI says threatens power lines during storms.
Over the next three months, UI’s tree service contractor will increase the distance between vegetation and power lines by targeting trees and limbs on Kelsey and Richmond avenues, Park Terrace, Painter Drive, and Church, Blohm, William and Bassett streets, said city Tree Warden Leo Kelly, who reviewed and approved the project.
Kelly said the contractor, Lewis Tree Service, will focus work on UI’s “Utility Protection Zone,” which extends 15 feet above, 8 feet below and 10 feet to the side of power lines.
According to UI, the Orange-based utility will designate trees for pruning or removal if they pose a threat to power lines or risk falling into or encroaching on the Utility Protection Zone, causing damage to the electrical system or outages due to their height and growth pattern.
People can direct questions to Kelly at lkelly@westhaven-ct.gov.