BERLIN, Connecticut — Known locally for providing electricity to over a million Connecticut customers, Eversource is taking a foray into gardening.
The utility provider has released “Nature’s Natives,” a new planting guide for property owners that identifies multiple plant species that thrive in New England and are also utility compatible. The brochure is designed to help customers make informed, safe decisions when planting near power lines.
Bob Allen, Eversource’s manager of Vegetation Coordination, Strategy and Innovation, said in a release that the company's dedicated arborists, who are passionate about plants and the positive impact they have on the environment, created the new resource.
“Native plants play a vital role in the overall health of our ecosystems by supporting wildlife habitats, pollinators and helping to conserve water and soil since they’re better adapted to the local climate,” Allen said.
He also pointed out another key benefit.
“The species in this guide can grow near power lines without posing a risk to the safety and reliability of the electric system,” Allen said. “By supporting our natural neighbors, we can cultivate a vibrant, healthy and sustainable landscape for all to enjoy.”
According to Eversource, New England is the most forested region in the United States. Trees of all types and sizes are valued as part of the landscape but can also cause problems if they grow too close to power lines.
Each year, tree limbs and branches contact power lines that Eversource is responsible for, causing outages, damaging equipment and creating public safety hazards including blocked roads. The company’s vegetation management programs exist to balance the benefits of trees and plants without compromising the need for safe and reliable power.
Recently, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized Eversource as a Tree Line USA utility because of the company’s successful vegetation management programs, which balance aesthetics with the need for electricity.
Eversource’s arborists also share their knowledge through educational partnerships. According to the company, they teach communities and residents about the importance of the region’s native vegetation and how to plan before they plant.
Since the release of the “Nature’s Natives” planting guide, Eversource has sent the brochure to over 500 municipalities and 1,200 garden centers across the company’s service territory in three states to help customers select the right plants for the right place.
Customers or residents interested in learning more about landscaping with native plants can view the brochure online for free here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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