Message from Mayor Josh Losardo – August 28, 2026

Mayor Josh Losardo addressed concerns about tree pruning and summer storms that have affected Scotch Plains Township, clarifying municipal authority and regulatory responsibilities.

The Township's Department of Public Works (DPW) is not legally permitted to prune trees around energized power lines under state regulation N.J.A.C. 14:5-9. This work is the sole responsibility of PSE&G, which must employ or work under the direction of a certified utility arborist. The DPW's authority is limited to trees on municipal property and within the Township's rights-of-way outside of utility easements. When a municipal tree threatens utility infrastructure, the DPW and PSE&G coordinate directly.

According to information from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), PSE&G operates on a fixed, cyclical pruning schedule by neighborhood and cannot prune on demand unless a tree is classified as dangerous or poses an outage risk. Residents and municipalities can request PSE&G's vegetation-management and pruning schedule for specific neighborhoods.

The NJBPU has authority to review PSE&G's actions and can direct additional work if pruning is deemed insufficient.

Mayor Losardo stated the Township has increased DPW personnel and is committed to continuing to grow that department incrementally due to taxpayer cost considerations.

For municipal tree concerns, residents can contact the DPW at (908) 322-6700 ext. 244. For trees near power lines, PSE&G can be reached through their website. The NJBPU can be contacted at 800-624-0241.

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Photo Credit: Township of Scotch Plains, New Jersey

FAQ

Q: Can the Scotch Plains DPW prune trees near power lines?
A: No. State regulation N.J.A.C. 14:5-9 prohibits the DPW from pruning trees around energized power lines. This work is the sole responsibility of PSE&G, which must employ or work under the direction of a certified utility arborist.

Q: What trees can the municipal DPW prune?
A: The DPW's authority is limited to trees on municipal property and within the Township's rights-of-way outside of utility easements.

Q: How often does PSE&G prune trees?
A: PSE&G operates on a fixed, cyclical pruning schedule by neighborhood. They cannot prune on demand unless a tree is classified as dangerous or poses an outage risk.

Q: Can I request PSE&G to prune a tree on my street?
A: Residents and municipalities can request PSE&G's vegetation-management and pruning schedule for specific neighborhoods. If a tree poses an immediate danger or outage risk, PSE&G may respond to an urgent request.

Q: Who oversees PSE&G's pruning work?
A: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has authority to review PSE&G's actions and can direct additional work if pruning is deemed insufficient.

Q: What happens when a municipal tree threatens power lines?
A: The DPW and PSE&G coordinate directly to address the situation.

Q: Who should I contact about trees on municipal property?
A: For municipal tree concerns, contact the Scotch Plains DPW at (908) 322-6700 ext. 244.

Q: Who should I contact about trees near power lines?
A: For trees near power lines, PSE&G can be reached through their website. The NJBPU can be contacted at 800-624-0241 for regulatory concerns.

Q: Is the Scotch Plains DPW growing?
A: Yes. Mayor Losardo stated the Township has increased DPW personnel and is committed to continuing to grow that department incrementally due to taxpayer cost considerations.