Tree trimming

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

We have two trees on the sidewalk in front of our house. They have grown a lot over the years, and now they need trimming since the branches are hitting the power lines. Does anyone know whether we can call any trimming service we like? Do we have to call the city or need any permission? Does the city have to take care of it? If not, can the expense be deducted from MA or Fed taxes?... Anyone else with this problem?

Comments

[miss-chance.livejournal.com]

Hey, I actually do know this one!

You can have your trees trimmed by either the city or by NSTAR.
They city will trim them if the branches hang too low over public walkways or parking, or if a large limb has been broken by a storm and hangs in a dangerous way. The city will try to trim the tree carefully and minimally. You can call 311 and describe the situation, and they'll send someone to take a look and put you in queue.

NSTAR will come out if you say the tree is interfering with powerlines. They will do one of those aggressive cut-backs you see, where either they take off nearly half the tree, or they cut a huge "v" down the middle. Or, at least, the city tree guys I talked to had what sounded like rather low opinions of the NSTAR guys' trimming care.

I don't know enough about trees, though, to know if this is a good time of year, from the perspective of the tree health.

Great. I'd prefer if the city took care of it...

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

One less thing to worry about.