I don’t know about other towns but mine had labeled some roads “historic scenic”. Most of the road has to be lined with trees. Setback before you can have open space is significant. Blah blah blah. The utility does come through to trim, but they send out notices before hand that you have to respond to: yes I’m ok with you trimming trees on my property line, and whether you want the trimmed branches or they can dispose of them.

A lot of people either ignore or forget to send those back, or want that scenery!

So. Lines come down.

Also, got to remember we are a lot more forested than we were 70-80 years ago. My dad used to watch the fireworks in Nashua from the top of the ridge on the family property in north Hollis in the 50s. A lot of what you see lining the roads is new growth and it’s all pine. Those keep their needles in winter so a lot more real estate for wet snow and ice too cling to and bring those limbs down.

I think you’ll find areas where there is still field lining the roads have a lot less downed lines.