Named by National Arbor Day Foundation As A Tree Line USA Utility
April 26, 2006
The National Arbor Day Foundation has named NSTAR a Tree
Line USA Utility for its outstanding tree care, worker
training, and public outreach programs. The award
specifically highlights NSTAR’s commitment to natural
tree pruning as its method of choice when trimming
around electricity distribution lines.
“Across America, people are recognizing and celebrating how vital trees are to our cities and towns,” said National Arbor Day Foundation President John Rosenow. “Tree Line USA utilities deserve recognition for their commitment to providing safe, efficient service, while helping to protect and preserve community trees.”
“This national recognition of our commitment to sound tree maintenance and electric service reliability is significant for NSTAR and its customers,” said Paul Sellers, senior arborist for NSTAR. “By meeting the award’s requirements, NSTAR demonstrates its dedication to promoting the natural growth of trees along our community roadways, while at the same time meeting our obligation to customers.”
NSTAR’s innovative tree maintenance program led to its selection for this honor by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The program combines pre-planning by certified arborists and foresters, proactive community involvement, and natural pruning that replaces the outdated line-clearing practice of topping trees. Natural pruning trains trees to grow around wires and retains more of their natural form. The results are healthier trees and a more effective program because natural pruning has to be done less frequently than topping. This successful combination has resulted in widespread acceptance of NSTAR’s program by state and local forestry experts.
NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including over one million electric customers in 81 communities and nearly 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities.
