Leaf me alone

PSEG's aggressive cuts on Franklin Ave.

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Among the more beautiful sites in Malverne is the canopy of leaves that take shape over Franklin Avenue each year due to the large trees the line the avenue.

Hopefully, that canopy will appear soon because the bare tree branches and their new trimming job, courtesy of PSEG, are leaving much to be desired.

Last week, PSEG’s tree trimming contractor paid a visit to the avenue to trim its trees, which were getting in the way of the utility company’s transmission lines. “We have two types of lines: the transmission line that delivers high voltage power to large areas. and distribution lines that go through neighborhoods and give power to your home,” said Jeffrey Weir, director of communications for PSEG Long Island. “With transmission lines, you have to be more aggressive in terms of tree trimming. If there was a broken limb on a transmission line, that downed line could take out power not only to a neighborhood but a very large area – up to 20,000 people,” said Weir.

Weir stressed the trimming is not only done specifically around the transmission line, but also ensure the health of the tree, and that all tree trimming jobs have a certified arborist overseeing each project.

Stating that there’s been some neglect on tree trimming servoces since PSEG took over the area’s electricity supply, Weir said the company will be adhering to a four-year schedule trimming schedule — so other residents who live near transmission lines will get their turn soon.

“”It looks aggressive, but now the trees will grow back healthy and away from the transmission lines,” he said.

Weir claims PSEG has reduced vegetation outages by more than 80 percent since its new trimming schedule took effect.