Mount Pleasant residents say tree trimmings are leaving trees ‘butchered’

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Some Mount Pleasant residents say Dominion Energy is leaving their trees ugly and disfigured.

The power company does routine tree trimmings to make sure that the trees aren’t in the way of any power lines.

The argument that the way the company cuts the trees is nothing new.

Riverland Terrace homeowners have also fought with Dominion Energy about the tree-trimming standards.

Ben Lee, a Mount Pleasant resident, says the best option is to bury the power lines. If that can’t happen, he at least hopes the company will consult with neighbors about their trees.

“As a second option to consult with neighbors. Work with us, we would love to help. We understand that the trees can be difficult to maintain and powerlines are an important part of our streets,” said Lee.

In a statement to Live 5 News Dominion Energy said:

“The safety and reliability of our system remains our top priority. Overgrown vegetation and tree limbs are the number one reason for power outages on our system, and trimming on a routine cycle, while working collaboratively with certified arborists on staff and in our communities, serves to protect the long-term health of the tree. Neighborhoods served with overhead lines have been trimmed utilizing arborist-approved, nationally-recognized (ANSI A300) standards in previous cycles. Our standards, in accordance with our required clearances, have not changed. These standards also recognize that a singular approach does not work for every size or type of tree. Each tree is different in structure, and our pruning practices take that into consideration.”

Customers can call (800) 251-7234 to schedule an on-site visit to review specific concerns.

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