Supervisor May W. Newburger recently announced that the town is supporting LIPA's Wire Friendly Tree program. With the help of local arborists and nurserymen, LIPA has developed a program that encourages the planting of slower growing trees - like varieties of maple and non-fruiting crabapples - under electric wires. LIPA is offering a rebate of $25 to municipalities or civic associations for each Wire Friendly Tree of standard planting size planted near overhead electric wires.

"We are pleased to continue supporting this important tree planting program," said Newburger. "This program will help reduce service interruptions caused by trees that interfere with electric wires."

Tall trees are a major cause of electric outages on Long Island, which is why LIPA has been working with local leaders to encourage participation in their new program. It is important to plant the correct tree species near electric wires. Planting these trees will help improve electric reliability, while beautifying the environment. It will also help the town's Highway Department manage trees that interfere with sidewalks, streetlights and signs.

"The Wire Friendly Tree Program is a great idea and has been a success here in North Hempstead," said Town Highway Superintendent Thomas Tiernan. "We will continue supporting this program and look forward to working with LIPA to better serve our residents."

In addition, forestry experts say that planting a wide variety of trees can help reduce damage from diseases and insects. LIPA has co-funded the proper planting of more than 4,500 trees near electric wires. The trees require little or no pruning around high voltage wires.