UI’s Parent Company, Avangrid, Plants 2 Redbud Trees In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (Pictured): United Illuminating Key Account Manager Greg Milano and Mayor Dorinda Borer throw shovels of soil to dedicate the planting of an eastern redbud tree on the southwest corner of the West Haven Green on Tuesday.

With Milano and Borer are, from left, UI Vegetation Management Lead Eric McConnell, city Tree Warden Leo Kelly and Elizabeth Esposito, UI’s community and government relations specialist.

The tree, as well as another redbud planted across from it, was donated by UI’s Orange-based parent company, Avangrid. The trees were purchased from and installed by Van Wilgen’s Garden Center of North Branford.

The tree planting was part of UI’s promotion of the state’s “Right Tree, Right Place” standards, which promote planting tree species that will reach their mature height without interfering with overheard wires or underground utilities, Esposito said.

The planting location at Savin Avenue and Church Street was reviewed and approved by McConnell and UI’s Vegetation Management Department. The redbud was recommended by Kelly, who also approved the location on behalf of the city.

Known as the harbinger of spring, the redbud’s delicate blossoms and buds are one of the season’s most dramatic displays, according to the Nebraska-based Arbor Day Foundation.

The tree blooms in a profusion of rosy pink flowers in April and features heart-shaped leaves that emerge a reddish color, turning dark green as summer approaches and yellow in autumn.