Sumter man questions Duke Energy’s plans to cut down his trees

Damon Pitts, who lives with his wife, Barbara, on Mana Drive, said the trees in his front yard are an important part of his landscaping.

"We bought this lot because it was forested," he said.

Pitts said they bought the lot several years before they moved to Sumter from Ohio in 1998.

The 74-year-old machinist was not at all happy when a crew from Duke Energy showed up at his property on July 25 and began marking with spray paint trees the power company intends to cut down, even though they are outside of the power company's right of way.

There was no notice in writing, just two guys, one with an orange spray can, Pitts said.

They marked 13 trees within his circular driveway, he said, and many more in a 300-foot strip along the side of his property bordering the Duke Energy transmission line.

Pitts said when they cut the trees, he will lose a lot of shade, and the value of his property will decrease.

According to South Carolina law, a utility company has the right to cut trees that might endanger its power lines even if they are outside the company's right of way.

Pitts said he is also worried the power company will not clean up the downed trees or fix any ruts made by the equipment.

On its website, Duke Energy acknowledges that trees are part of the beauty of the Palmetto State but said it has a duty to keep its power lines safe.

Ryan Mosier, a spokesperson for Duke Energy, said by email that the company gave Pitts notice when the men showed up on July 25 to mark the trees which would be cut.

"Our representative went above and beyond his duties to help the property owner understand what work needed to occur," Mosier said. "Not only did he talk to Mr. Pitts, but he also explained to Mr. Pitts' sister, who lives next to him."

Mosier said the company is not expanding its right of way but only exercising its right to cut trees which might endanger power lines.

When work is complete, Mosier said, the yard will be left clean with all debris moved from the maintained area (where grass grows).

He also said that if there is any damage to the property, it will be taken care of immediately, and mats will be used to get vehicles to the trees and back to the pavement.

There isn't grass where the trees are located now, but it is wooded, Mosier said.

Pitts said that while the area in question may not be a lawn, it is still part of his maintained property.

"This is not out in the woods; this is my yard," he said.

Mosier said in his email the company "engaged" Pitts on Tuesday about the work that needs to be done.

"His concerns were again addressed, and he understands what must happen to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of electricity to his friends and neighbors in the region," Mosier said.

Pitts said the company contacted him by telephone.

"They still aren't going to grind the stumps, which was my main concern," Pitts said. "Things still haven't changed."

According to Pitts, the company did promise to give him 24 hours' notice before the cutting begins.

"They just told me there is nothing I can do to stop it," he said. "He told me they could cut right up to my porch if they wanted to."