Tree-trimmingby UI in Sheltons White Hills upsets some residents

Workers cut back trees on Route 110 between downtown and White Hills for the United Illuminating tree-trimming program, which has been criticized for being too intensive.

Ongoing tree-trimming work by United Illuminating is causing some concerns, especially about the impact on the rural character of the White Hills neighborhood.

To see century-old maples halved is very disturbing to the community, said Renee Marsh, who lives in White Hills.

While she understands the need for pruning to protect the power lines, this is unilateral and indiscriminate removal of trees for a set distance, said Marsh, a member of the Olde Ripton Garden Club in Shelton.

Marsh said White Hills is a place that people visit for its country charm, especially in the fall when they go to vineyards, apple orchards and pumpkin patches, and shes unsure there will be much foliage to admire this autumn.

Joyce Donnelly, the garden clubs president, also is unhappy about the extent of the work.

This is very bad, Donnelly said. Theyre basically leaving the trees cut in half. I cant see how they will survive plus, they look ridiculous.

Crews are removing all the branches near the power lines, but leaving the branches away from the lines untouched, leaving odd-looking trees behind, Donnelly said.

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Tree-trimmingby UI in Sheltons White Hills upsets some residents