Tree Trimming Starts This Month

The state and Ridgefield are cooperating in an effort to identify trees that need to be trimmed or removed to protect people and power lines around town.

The state has hired the Lewis Tree Service, which was founded in 1938 at the Monroe Tree Surgeons, according to the company website, which said the firm did its first line clearing work in 1962.

First Selectman Rudy Marconi said the town Tree Warden and the state have been discussing what trees need trimming and what trees need to be removed.

"There are going to be areas of contention," Marconi said. "We all love our trees."

Marconi said Ridgefield supports the tree effort, because trees have knocked out power in the past and they have injured people in the past. 

"With the changing weather patterns, trees have become major problems for us," Marconi said. "The rules have changed when it comes to the weather."

In some of the recent winter storms and tropical storms, including Irene and the Halloween storm that followed it in late October 2011, Ridgefield residents lost power for as long as nine days.

"Our concern is if that happens in February, say, when the average daytime temperature is 20 degrees and the overnight temperature is zero," Marconi said.

CL&P has reported it's contractor, Lewis Tree Service, is marking trees and it will alert nearby residents trees will be trimmed or removed.

Orange tape has appeared on trees on Peaceable Hill Road and on connecting roads, which is one of the first areas marked. 

Other roads will include Bennett's Farm Road, Bob Hill Road, Danbury Road, Haviland Road, High Ridge Avenue, Peaceable Hill Road, West Lane and West Mountain Road and other roads that connect to these roads. 

Marconi explained those roads form two circuits that need immediate attention. He said Ridgefield is preparing information about the work to help people understand its importance.