Has Morristown finally found a fix for storm-related power outages?

It’s become a weather ritual for Greater Morristown residents: Every ominous forecast spurs a mad dash to the supermarket for batteries and bottled water.

Hurricanes Irene and Sandy brought weeks of power outages for thousands of residents–and twin nor’easters delivered more of the same last month.

“The basic facts are this: Most of our power went out … because of trees. And nine out of 10 were hollow or diseased. It’s that simple,” Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty told the town council last month, challenging officials to devise a strategy to solve this vexing problem.

Sources tell Morristown Green they are pondering a bold solution: Removing virtually all trees on public property.

There is some precedent for such a move. Selectively, the town has removed ash trees–to thwart an infestation by the Emerald Ash Borer insect–and culled sickly pear trees from South Street.

The Shade Tree Commission could not be reached for comment. But a usually unreliable source close to the plan, speaking on condition of anonymity for obvious reasons, acknowledged that officials are bracing for blowback.

“They realize the importance of trees for shade, and aesthetics,” the source said.

So the town is believed to be seeking funds to replace the real trees with artificial ones, similar to those seen on highways for cellular towers.

“They’re becoming increasingly life-like,” the source said. “People seem to like the Christmas tree on the Green every year.”

If they can find several million dollars to accomplish this ambitious undertaking, town officials may seek additional grants to coax homeowners to replace their trees near power lines with storm-proof faux versions, the source said.

Stay tuned for more on this breaking story.