Editor:

I am a professional arborist and have taught, trained and helped others with issues related to trees and their care. I have recently seen a practice that stands to seriously damage the appearance of our communities located along Oconee County roads. I’m unaware of any official maintenance policy change related to roadside trees, but trees in my neighborhood and others are being severely damaged and disfigured by county maintenance crews.

Branches are being cut off where they hang over the roads, not to provide vehicle clearance because the branch removal is far higher than needed for that. Further, the cutting is not being conducted according to accepted arboricultural practices, therefore causing an unsightly appearance for our home frontages, which will have a noticeable impact on property values.

Oconee County needs to stop maiming trees immediately and begin developing a countywide plan that addresses appropriate roadside tree maintenance policy for rural and residential streets and roads.

Equally important, the maintenance must be implemented by properly trained and experienced arborists to prevent the tree damage, increased costs and potential county liability being created by the current practices.

Don Ham

Seneca