ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) – The Isle of Palms could be saying goodbye to hundreds of namesake palmetto trees because of their proximity to overhead powerlines.
Unlike an oak tree, where crews can cleave or cut branches, palmetto trees cannot be trimmed for height in the same way. They eventually could grow to create hazards for power lines, linemen and arborists.
537 of them are now marked with red dots, facing removal from city properties, businesses and homes.
“The palmetto is really part of our identity and our namesake. It really is a loss for us at a time when we need to be adding back in more trees and living things, among other things, to help with drainage resiliency and quality of life,” Susan Hill Smith said.
Smith is a former city representative and a long-time homeowner. Two of her neighbors have palmettos that will eventually be gone.
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