On a main street in Easthampton, this massive elm tree was one of the oldest in the city. It was also dying and perilously close to the power lines, threatening the reliability of our electric system and public safety.

A massive dead elm tree threatens our power lines and public safety in Easthampton

“We’ve been living with branches falling down around us," said Alice Zedonis, an Easthampton resident and next-door neighbor of the dead elm.

To remove this huge tree in a highly congested part of the city, we brought in heavy-duty machinery, including a crane to safely lift heavy limbs and the trunk. Once on the ground, the wood was cut using a chain saw and then ground up by our specially trained tree crews.

Specially trained Eversource tree crews use heavy equipment to remove a dead elm

Eversource crews trim and remove dead, diseased and dying trees in Easthampton.

“Our city’s budget for tree work is very limited,” said Greg Nuttelman, Director for the Easthampton Department of Public Works. “Eversource has been very helpful managing declining trees around the city and also helping to keep our critical infrastructure up and running by managing trees that can cause extensive damage.”

Nuttelman says he’s seen firsthand how trees continue to be the primary cause of power outages in Easthampton, especially during storms. Identifying weak, diseased and hazardous trees and trimming or removing them before they cause a problem is essential to enhancing electric reliability for the community.

Easthampton DPW Director Greg Nuttelman meets with our Senior Arborist Barry Croke

Easthampton is located below the rugged Mt. Tom Range and the former mill town is in the midst of a population and business boom. New homes, schools and businesses are increasing the demand for safe, reliable power.

The latest vegetation management cycle in Easthampton is now complete and the tree that loomed over Zedonis' home, which she dubbed her Sword of Damocles, is no longer a threat.

“Oh I’m totally relieved! We’ve been concerned it was going to come down on our house. I’m delighted with what Eversource is doing—I can’t tell you how happy we are," she said. "It’s going to make a big difference."

We schedule vegetation management along our electric distribution system in four- to five-year cycles. While our latest cycle of tree work is complete in Easthampton, we’re always ready to respond when our customers need us. Explore our comprehensive vegetation management programs, tips to help you manage the trees on your property, and planting guidance on our Vegetation Management page.