City Holds Tree Line USA Designation

Westerville Electric Division (WED) arborists have again earned the City recognition as a Tree Line USA community. The City has maintained its spot on the prestigious list since 1997.

The Arbor Day Foundation designation acknowledges electric utility providers committed to preserving urban trees while supplying reliable services for the community.

“Trees strengthen our communities and make our neighborhoods healthier in so many ways. But they need us to plant and care for them, which is why it is so important that utilities do their part to help urban forests thrive,” said Arbor Day Foundation Vice President of Programs Michelle Saulnier, in a recent news release. “Westerville Electric demonstrates that safe and reliable electricity doesn’t need to come at the expense of tree canopies. They are setting a positive example for their community and we’re proud to have them as part of our national network of forward-thinking service providers.”

WED employs a team of four specialized Utility Arborists, all of whom are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. They follow strict standards to keep power lines clear of vegetation—an essential task for maintaining reliable electric service. The team includes utility specialists trained specifically for work around energized systems..

Tree Line USA utilities follow core principles to ensure the highest standards of tree care. These include meeting industry standards for tree care, participating in annual training on best practices, sponsoring tree-planting initiatives and community education programs, maintaining a tree-focused energy conservation program and participating in Arbor Day events.

Westerville’s Utility Arborists are dedicated to helping to preserve the City’s award-winning tree canopy while delivering electric services with care, precision and environmental responsibility.

Learn more about utility tree care in Westerville, visit www.Westerville.org/Electric.