Power Loss Vs. Cutting Trees

Recently the power companies in our area have been getting grief from residents about trimming trees and/or cutting them down. The reason the trees are being trimmed or removed is the potential for trees or limbs to fall on power lines resulting in high costs to repair and power outages. On the flip side residents are complaining as of course a tree-lined street is much more appealing than one without, not to mention the shade and benefits toward the environment of having trees.

However, it does seem some people have short memories – not too long ago we have had long power outages (days or weeks) resulting from storms and trees and limbs falling on power lines. What are the chances that these same people complaining about trimming trees, will be the first to complain when they are unable to watch Jersey Shore? And when the electricity costs increase because of these emergency services will they still love the trees so much?

Is there a compromise?