By Karin Cholak
As utility crews prune and remove trees along Greenwich’s streets this spring, it is important for residents to understand their rights related to utility tree work. In Connecticut, utility companies have the authority to maintain safe clearance around power lines, but property owners also have important rights when trees are located on private land.
Understanding these rights can help residents make informed decisions, ask questions and work collaboratively with utilities and the tree warden to protect both public safety and the community’s tree canopy.
Property owners have the right to refuse utility pruning or tree removal for trees located solely on private land. Utility companies have the authority to work within a utility protection zone, or UPZ, and within public rights of way to maintain safe electrical clearance.
A UPZ generally extends eight feet outward from the outermost electrical wires, from the ground upward. Within this area, utilities may perform vegetation management to protect electrical infrastructure. While the town of Greenwich or the state of Connecticut owns or controls public rights-of-way, such land usually abuts private property. Homeowners often own the land adjoining the right-of-way, including the strip between the street and the main portion of the yard, even though the town or state may control that area for public use.
Utilities must notify property owners in writing at least 15 business days prior to pruning or tree removal. Property owners must provide written consent at least 10 business days before work can begin.
If the notice is personally delivered to you by a utility worker, ask for a detailed explanation of the proposed work while reviewing the tree or shrub with the utility worker, and request the explanation in writing. If there is no in-person delivery, you can call or email the utility to ask about the proposed work but make sure you do not miss a deadline while waiting for a response. The notice may be mailed to you or placed on your door in a door-hanger. Also, ask whether the utility has obtained any required permits from the tree warden or the Department of Transportation before work begins.
Property owners may also object to the proposed work or request modifications within 10 business days of receiving notice. They may request a consultation with Greenwich’s tree warden before a decision is made. If modifications to the proposed work are agreed upon, property owners should ask for the revised plan in writing, including detailed descriptions and, when possible, an illustration. Taking photos before work begins can also help document existing conditions.
Either the property owner or the utility may appeal the decision to the Public Utility Regulatory Authority, or PURA, within 10 business days. Property owners also cannot be billed by the utility if the tree in question falls onto wires and causes damage.
There is, however, an important exception for hazardous trees located within a UPZ. A hazardous tree is defined as any tree, or part of a tree, that is dead, extensively decayed or structurally weak and could endanger utility infrastructure if it falls.
In these cases, utilities are generally required to make a reasonable effort to provide property owners with three business days’ notice before removal. If a tree is in direct contact with energized wires or shows signs of burning, the utility can take immediate action without prior notice.
More information about property owner tree rights is available from the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Eversource.
Protecting both public safety and Greenwich’s tree canopy requires communication, transparency, and informed decision-making. Understanding your rights can help ensure that necessary utility work is carried out thoughtfully while preserving the many benefits trees provide to the community.
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy strives to support a healthy and beautiful town-wide community forest sustained by an informed citizenry. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the tree and forest resources of Greenwich to benefit our community, health and quality of life.
Karin Cholak
Administrative Assistant, Greenwich Tree Conservancy
To find out more about the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, visit us at: www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org
