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The Trade Off

Regarding the April 24 letter "Things to Know" by Ellen Brett, I spent more than 40 years in the electric utility business, directly involved with high voltage line construction, maintenance, and design, including trimming and removal of trees.

First, the reason for tree trimming and removal is to help give good, reliable service to customers.

Every request for a "light trim," a "trim refusal," or roadblocks to stop or significantly reduce trimming and tree removal can directly affect customer service. This is the trade off. The position individuals and town officials choose will contribute to the final outcome concerning their own reliability.

Second, healthy trees can threaten power lines for the following reasons: There are certain species of tree that are characteristically weak; they break very easily. Trees having inherently weak root systems can pose a threat. Some healthy trees are so close to power lines, the main trunk can move and touch a high voltage wire in a wind storm. A tree this close is often a refusal to remove. Healthy trees are equally vulnerable to ice storm damage.

Third, mature trees, although stately and beautiful, can pose a threat to both homes and power equipment. Mature trees have often reached their end of life and can be weak inside. You can have your trees inspected by a licensed arborist for potential problems.

Understand, electric utility companies have a vegetation budget that is carefully watched; they do not incur costs unnecessarily. Remember the saying, "There are no simple solutions, only intelligent choices."

We all need to work together to make the best choices.

Chris AielloKillingworth