Utility ready to trim trees

BEAUFORTThe tree trimmers are coming and upwards of 50 trees could meet the shears of Duke Energy Progress in the coming weeks, according to a work order spreadsheet from the energy giant.

Duke Progress spokesperson Meghan Musgrave confirmed Monday that the company was looking to remove a number of trees in Beaufort that have been deemed too near power lines and transformers.

A team will be working with property owners and will not conduct any work until theyve had that discussion, she said, labeling the document a proposed work plan.

While a few trees on the spreadsheet provided to the News-Times will receive a trim to make power lines accessible, most are marked for complete removal.

Town hall officials said residents might see trimming trucks in Beaufort as soon as this week.

Trees along Highway 101, Craven, Cedar, Live Oak, Turner streets and Circle Drive have been slated for removal on the work order.

Duke officials reported they have already begun contacting affected property owners.

Just because a property is on the list does not mean (the tree) will be removed, said Ms. Musgrave.

She indicated the selection process for tree removal was based on growth and proximity to standing lines.

The trees identified are the minimum approach distance which is a little under 5 feet to company equipment or close to it, which could pose a safety hazard for Duke Energy crews performing work on the equipment, Ms. Musgrave shared in an email to the News-Times.

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Utility ready to trim trees