On eve of Arbor Day, CMP lauded for tree management

AUGUSTA, Maine - A national group has recognized Central Maine Power Co. as a Tree Line USA Utility for 2015. The designation comes from the National Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees.

"We are thrilled to have earned this recognition from Arbor Day Foundation," said Tom Irwin, head of Vegetation Management for CMP. "We are proud of the quality tree care that our trained professionals and contractors have provided over the years, and receiving this designation demonstrates that we are doing the right things."

To receive the designation, utilities must meet five core standards set by the Foundation:

• Quality Tree Care that meets industry standards for pruning, planting, removals, and other activity
• Annual Worker Training in best practices for utility employees and contract workers
• Tree Planting and Public Education programs that demonstrate proper tree planting, placement and pruning while expanding the tree canopy in the community
• Tree-Based Energy Conservation Programs that put special consideration on the value of trees in energy conservation
• Arbor Day Celebration sponsorship at the community level.

Arbor Week celebrations get under way soon

CMP is observing Arbor Week (May 16-20) by distributing thousands of free seedlings to schools and community organizations throughout its 11,000-square-mile service area.
The utility applauds efforts of people throughout Maine who are observing Arbor Week with a broad range of tree-planting activities. Trees add beauty to the landscape, help clean the air, and provide shade and animal habitat.
But trees can also interfere with power lines, disrupting electric service and even posing safety hazards, so the utility urges people to "plan before they plant."

"Keeping trees away from power lines enhances safe, reliable service, so our tree crews prune along almost 4,800 miles of lines each year," said Irwin. "As an arborist, I know the best way to have healthy trees and reliable service is by choosing the right trees for your location."

Proper selection and placement of trees near overhead power lines can eliminate potential hazards and improve the appearance of your property. CMP encourages people who would like to plant a tree in observance of Arbor Week to "plan before you plant," and offers the following tips:

· Before planting, look around the area for power lines and other hazards, and keep in mind that today's sapling will eventually