In an effort to decrease power outages related to foliage coming into contact with overhead lines, Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (Belco) has launched a pilot project in the Somerset area.The purpose of the pilot is to establish an organised tree management programme that will ensure minimum clearances for vegetation near power lines, and to maintain the same clearance over a three-year period.Statistics gathered during the pilot project will help to determine the feasibility, cost effectiveness and practicality of rolling out such a programme Island-wide.Following the review of a comprehensive report by Brown and Company Ltd, Belco engaged them to carry out the work on four circuits out of the Somerset substation.Brown and Company Ltd. is a professional landscape and arboricultural service based in St George’s.Owner and manager Martin Brown is a qualified horticulturist and tree surgeon who has 22 years experience in the field, both in Bermuda and the UK. While in the UK, Mr Brown was involved in similar line maintenance projects for the Southern Electricity Board. His experiences there and his commitment to improving standards of tree care in Bermuda were instrumental in preparing the report for Belco.Lead arborist Justin Horsfall is managing the work on site and has six years experience in the UK, Scandinavia and New Zealand, working on similar utility tree management projects and in the private sector as a tree surgeon.Using the most current equipment and pruning techniques, the goal is to achieve the required safety clearances for Belco, while pruning, thinning and re-shaping trees to maintain their health, as well as their beauty and value to our environment.Similarly, in an effort to help with environmental concerns, wherever possible, invasive plant species such as Mexican Pepper and Chinese Fan palms are being removed and poisoned in order to make way for more suitable and desirable species.The service is being fully funded by Belco. Brown and Company are responsible for customer consultation and getting permission to carry out any required work; they are committed to providing the best quality customer service and tree care possible.The pilot project is nearing completion and the cooperation and feedback Brown and Company Ltd. has received from Belco customers has been positive.The crews will be re-visiting each circuit annually for the next three years to ensure minimum clearances are being maintained.Brown and Company are pleased to be part of a project aimed at improved reliability of service for Belco customers. The project has also enabled Brown and Company to provide valuable training opportunities in tree surgery and arboriculture for its employees.