Monday letters: SCE&G needs to control tree cutters

SCE&G’s tree-cutting program for clearing power lines has gotten way out of hand.

Not only has one of the company’s contractors invaded my yard three times, taking more and more from my precious trees, it has done this in violation of SCE&G’s own promises. Before the third visit, I had an SCE&G spokesman over at my house, and he assured me that no more would be taken from my oaks and pines. Ha.

On one visit, I told the contractor to get off my property until I could get in touch again with SCE&G. I had to leave for an appointment, and when I got back an hour later two of my oak trees had been further butchered in my absence.

It has gotten so bad that the neighbor behind me decided to cut down her beautiful 30-year-old magnolia tree after the company lopped off one entire side’s branches.

I have tried to compromise with these crews and with SCE&G because I realize the lines need to be kept clear. Now I want to see these contracts curtailed and reduced.

These crews should not have the right to come into our yards and cut more than 20 feet above and 12 feet on each side of the lines, and that is what they are doing.