I’ve posted some low-quality (mobile phone) pictures of local oak trees that Duke Energy so mercilessly butchered earlier this summer. These freakish trees now detract mightily from what used to be a stunning landscape of tree canopies lining the streets.
Duke Energy claims they pruned in line with regulations, and it’s all in the name of safety, after all, since these trees are liable to cause lots of damage during ice storms, particularly to power lines. But they clearly went about their work with no regard for the aesthetics of the neighborhoods of the customers they serve.
I always balk at their claim that atrocious pruning is a safety issue. When these trees die, or even if just a few of the limbs die, it won’t be any safer. There is simply no excuse for what they’ve done.
I mentioned this last month, but it’s worth mentioning again.
Back when this first happened, Beth Ruiz took some great photos of trees in the area.