Dominion Energy is planning to cut down 519 palmetto trees on Sullivan’s Island in its continuing effort to keep area power lines clear of what it calls hazardous vegetation.
But the removal — said to be necessary because palmettos can’t be reduced in height or partially trimmed without killing them — is likely to cause friction with island residents who have hotly protected trees in recent years.
Resident Karen Byko said she was heartbroken by the news.
“After leaving disfigured live oaks scattered in their wake [four years ago], Dominion is coming back to remove a shocking 519 palmettos — after removing 122 in 2020! How will the removal of 640 palmettos and the deformed branches of remaining trees transform the iconic beauty of our island that has earned us a Tree City USA designation for the last six years?”
Another resident, Katny Heller said she was angry. “They have ruined this island.”
A Dominion official, in a response to a complaint by Heller, confirmed a company assessment called for the removal of 519 palmetto trees.
“Our team has been actively surveying the area to determine which trees need to be removed to ensure the safety and reliability of our system,” the official noted.
“I certainly understand and appreciate your passion surrounding trees here in South Carolina,” the utility official wrote. “As a fellow S.C. native, I share a similar passion; however, safety has to be my top priority. Hazardous vegetation that has grown too close to our conductors is not only a fire hazard, but also a public safety issue.
“Vegetation management is an integral part of our obligation to deliver safe and reliable power and is the key to keeping the lights on for all of our customers. Since palmettos cannot be reduced in height or directionally pruned like other trees, removal is necessary.”
Sullivan Island Town Administrator Andy Benke confirmed the town learned Tuesday of Dominion’s updated tree-removal plan around distribution and transmission lines.
“We are making every effort to review the individual trees on the list,” he said. “Staff will be reviewing several trees with the Dominion arborist in the coming weeks. Some of the trees scheduled for removal seem to be located on private property.”
Byko said Dominion’s original list for removal in 2019 included 247 trees, but 125 were given tree amnesty. She also noted how removing and pruning trees would boost heat and energy demand, increase pollution, reduce stormwater absorption and harm shelters for wildlife.
“Dominion Energy’s net income was $2.0 billion in 2023,” Byko said. “Why is no one in Columbia forcing them to be better partners to the communities that fuel their profits?”
For more information on how tree removal works around the Lowcountry, see our April 26 cover story, “Dominion’s tree-cutting draws ire from residents.”
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