The number one cause of power outages are tree limbs that fall on wires and other equipment during storms. PSNH maintains more than 13,000 miles of power lines throughout New
Hampshire. A major part of our work consists of trimming nearby trees
and vegetation so they won't interfere with these lines and cause power
outages and dangerous situations.
You can help keep PSNH power lines free of vegetation by following a
few simple rules:
- Plan before you plant.
- Choose trees and shrubs carefully, keeping in mind how tall they
will grow and how wide they will spread when mature.
- Plant only low-growing shrubs and small trees (under 30 feet
at maturity) beneath power lines. Good choices include several species
of cherry, crabapple, dogwood, hawthorn, magnolia, and viburnum.
- Plant medium trees (between 30 - 50 feet at maturity) at least
30 feet from power lines. Examples include Columnar European Beech,
European Hornbeam, Katsura Tree, Regent Scholar Tree, or Carolina Silverbell.
- Plant trees that will reach more than 50 feet high at maturity
at least 50 feet from wires. Examples of tall trees include conifers,
Giant Arborvitae, Pin Oak, or Japanese Zelkova.
Our "Plan before you Plant" poster provides more information on how to "Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place for Electric Service Reliability". (PDF File Format 5.84MB) 
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