“It means not putting tall trees anywhere near power lines,” said Jon Hall, the utility’s forestry communication director.

The city of Norton Shores is among eight Michigan communities to have signed on to the utility’s new tree program, which offers reimbursements of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of the plantings.

According to Public Works Director Gerald Bartoszek, Norton Shores recently planted 80 trees selected from a list of approved species provided by Consumers, along roadside and public park areas. The trees included little leaf linden, red maple, sugar maple, flowering dogwood, downy serviceberry and river birch trees.

Hall also said the grant program would play a part in helping communities “face the challenges of aging urban forests and new threats posed by invasive insects and disease.”