WESTMORELAND, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Eversource has started cutting down dead and diseased ash trees along major roads in New Hampshire as part of a months-long effort to reduce power outages and improve public safety.

The work, which began this week, will continue through mid-November and target areas where fragile trees pose the greatest risk to power lines and travelers. Crews are concentrating on stretches of roadway in Westmoreland and Londonderry, two communities where aging Ash trees have become a growing hazard.

In Westmoreland, removals will focus on Routes 9 and 63, Spofford Road, Partridge Brook Road, River Road, and McAdam Road. In Londonderry, work is scheduled for Friday, September 12, along Mammoth Road, where utility officials say some Ash trees are severely compromised.

Eversource officials say the push comes in response to widespread Ash tree die-off caused by invasive insects and environmental stress. When these trees fall, they can bring down power lines or block roads, leading to extended outages and dangerous conditions during storms.

“This work is about getting ahead of the problem before the winter storm season hits,” said Ian Farley, who oversees vegetation management for the utility.

To handle the large and difficult removals, Eversource is bringing in cranes, high-reach bucket trucks, and off-road equipment. Local police will direct traffic where necessary, since some of the work will take place along busy roadways.

The company also pledged to coordinate with town officials and businesses to limit disruption. In Westmoreland, a public meeting was held last month to outline the plan, and Eversource says more community updates will follow.

The initiative stems from the utility’s recent rate review, where officials highlighted the growing threat posed by hazard trees statewide and the importance of continuing to invest in vegetation management.

In addition to bolstering the grid, the company said it is exploring opportunities to replace some of the removed trees in high-visibility areas to maintain the look of local roadsides.