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Palmetto Electric plans four-year tree-trimming cycle in Bluffton with contractor coordination
Summary
Palmetto Electric told council it will perform its four-year tree trimming program in Bluffton later this year, focusing on Simmonsville and Buck Island corridors; the cooperative plans communication with town staff and contractors to minimize resident complaints and schedule work around schools.
Bluffton — Palmetto Electric Cooperative told the Town Council on March 11 it will begin its planned four-year vegetation-management cycle in Bluffton between late summer and early fall, concentrating work in Simmonsville and Buck Island corridors and coordinating closely with town staff.
Ashley Feaster, Palmetto Electric, said the cooperative last completed trimming in Bluffton in 2021 and is meeting with town operations staff to determine staging and minimize disruption. The cooperative will use a contractor (Southern Lemon Tree) for a portion of the work and will aim to avoid school drop-off times and other disturbances.
Feaster said typical clearances are 10 feet from primary wires and five feet from secondary or service drops; she noted special specimen trees and other site-specific considerations can change pruning plans. Palmetto Electric staff promised proactive resident outreach; councilmembers urged enhanced communications after previous rounds of trimming generated resident complaints about misunderstood process and leftover debris.
Council asked staff and Palmetto Electric to coordinate a clear communications plan ahead of field crews entering residential yards and to clarify which party is responsible for debris removal. Feaster said Southern Lemon Tree will bring grinding equipment and will generally handle debris but the town and Palmetto Electric will coordinate on expectations.
