Central Maine Power is performing tree trimming work in 30 communities in Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties over the coming weeks. The work along utility lines is part of a $20 million annual vegetation management program to improve the reliability of its transmission and distribution lines.

“We maintain nearly 24,000 miles of roadside distribution lines on a five-year cycle of vegetation clearing, inspection, and repair,” said CMP Spokesperson Gail Rice. “Contact with trees is the most frequent cause of blinking clocks and power outages, so customers should see better reliability as the crews trim along the roadsides in their towns.”

CMP’s arborists and contractors are working in Alna, Arrowsic, Bath, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Bremen, Bristol, Damariscotta, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Jefferson, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Phippsburg, Richmond, Somerville Plantation, South Bristol, Southport, Squirrel Isle, Topsham, Waldoboro, West Bath, Westport, Whitefield, Wiscasset and Woolwich.

Customers can sign up to receive a notice when tree trimming is happening in their area. For more information, call CMP Customer Service at 1-800-750-4000.

CMP contracts with professional arborists who are required to follow practices established by the International Society of Arboriculture. These include consideration for the health, shape, strength, growth rate and appearance of trees before and after pruning. CMP notifies customers about its vegetation management activities every year with inserts in its bills.

Motorists are urged to use caution when they encounter tree crews working alongside Maine roads.

“These crews play a key role in helping CMP provide the safe, reliable service that customers depend on,” said Rice. “The work can be difficult, so we urge motorists who pass these crews to proceed slowly and at a safe distance.”

Additional information about CMP’s tree care program, along with tips for tree planting and care can be found at www.cmpco.com. Click on “Usage and Safety,” then “Tree Care.”