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Residents press town over marked trees tied to sewer maintenance in Norwood Heights
Summary
Two Norwood Heights residents told council spray‑markings and planned tree clearings tied to sewer maintenance are alarming; town staff said markings are part of a survey and budgeting step and that final removals will depend on right‑of‑way surveys and inspections.
Residents of Norwood Heights told Southern Pines council on Feb. 11 they are concerned about extensive spray‑markings that appear to identify trees for removal as part of a sewer‑maintenance project.
Carla Butler (325 Crest Road) said numerous trees in the neighborhood had been marked and that some adjacent homeowners who had not reported sewer problems may nevertheless lose trees. "Most of that is marked to come out...it’s taking a huge swath of the trees out in the circle,” Butler said during public comment.
Town Manager (unnamed) replied that the markings are an early step tied to budgeting and estimating for a sewer maintenance project targeting areas with a history of overflows and tree infiltration. He said the markings do not necessarily represent the final set of trees to be removed and that a survey to establish right‑of‑way limits and camera inspections of lines will inform final decisions.
Margaret George (355 Fairway Drive) said several trees near her house were marked and asked why trees that had not previously caused problems would be removed now. She summarized town staff responses that the work will include lining existing pipes where possible and that tree removal is a preventative step to protect pipes from root intrusion.
Council members asked staff to continue communicating with residents, and staff said project details and budget requests will return during forthcoming budget discussions.
