In Livingston: Utility to Conduct Tree Trimming Campaign to Clear Power Lines

In May, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) will embark on a tree trimming campaign at several locations in Livingston. The work is intended to provide electric cables in the area “four years of clearance” from nearby vegetative growth.

Work will take place around the Short Hills substation serving the township. Areas to be trimmed include:

• Brayton Road
• Devonshire Road
• Hemshire Drive
• John F. Kennedy Parkway
• Lokchern Drive
• Ross Drive
• South Orange Avenue
• Tulane Drive

While it may seem a routine task to trim trees around power lines, overhanging limbs can pose “an imminent risk to electric facilities,” according to a JCP&L notice recently sent to Livingston residents.

In addition, the company stated that “regular, diligent and professional vegetation management practices assist in reducing the number of service problems and outages.”

According to the JCP&L notice, the utility contracts with qualified line clearance tree workers trained in OSHA safety standards, as well as proper pruning techniques by the National Arborists Association. Contracted crews follow a pruning technique that is referred to as directional or lateral pruning.

JCP&L will provide two weeks of additional notice prior to the start of line clearance operations. Residents with concerns or questions can contact Robert Lee, Manager-Forestry, at 973-401-8807.

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