Dominion to Remove 519 Palmettos on Sullivan’s Island, Stirring Controversy

Dominion Set to Remove 519 Palmettos on Sullivan’s Island

Dominion Energy has unveiled plans to cut down 519 palmetto trees on Sullivan’s Island. The move is part of its ongoing commitment to keep area power lines free from what it refers to as hazardous vegetation. However, the planned removal, necessary since palmettos cannot be reduced in height or partially trimmed without causing their death, is expected to spark tension with island residents who have staunchly protected trees in recent years.

Island Residents’ Reaction

Resident Karen Byko expressed her distress about the upcoming removal, “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 local, Katny Heller, expressed her anger about the situation, accusing the company of ruining the island.

Dominion’s Explanation

A Dominion official, responding to a complaint by Heller, confirmed the company’s assessment, which 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 clarified. He reiterated that while he appreciates the residents’ passion for trees, safety remains a top priority for the company. “Hazardous vegetation that has grown too close to our conductors is not only a fire hazard but also a public safety issue.

Sullivan Island Town Administrator’s Input

Andy Benke, Sullivan Island Town Administrator, confirmed that the town learned of Dominion’s updated tree-removal plan around distribution and transmission lines on Tuesday. “We are making every effort to review the individual trees on the list,” he explained, noting that some of the trees scheduled for removal seem to be located on private property.

Criticism Against Dominion

Eyeing Dominion’s original list for removal in 2019, Byko pointed out that it included 247 trees, but 125 were given tree amnesty. She stressed the adverse impacts of tree removal and pruning on heat and energy demand, pollution, stormwater absorption, and wildlife habitats. “Dominion Energy’s net income was $2.0 billion in 2023. Why is no one in Columbia forcing them to be better partners to the communities that fuel their profits?” Byko questioned.