These are the same tree hugging NIMBYs that we have here in Montgomery County, Maryland that are complaining because they lose power every time there's a storm but accuse PEPCO of "murdering" trees.  If you want to plant trees, do so out of the power company's right of way/easement and keep them trimmed.  If not, the power company is perfectly within their rights and doing a service to all of their customers to clear the right of way.