The City of Charleston and Dominion Energy are partnering to protect public safety and the City’s tree canopy by ensuring the right tree is planted in the right place. The City will replace each hazardous palmetto tree requiring removal by Dominion near overhead power lines with five new trees approved to coexist safely with electric infrastructure.
The collaborative project, which is scheduled to begin in early May, advances the City’s commitment to a healthy urban forest and supports Dominion Energy’s five-year vegetation management cycle. Trees that exceed a maximum height of approximately 15 feet at maturity are not suitable for planting along distribution rights-of-way or near overhead power lines and are subject to utility trimming or removal to maintain safe clearances.
Trees that have grown too close to overhead power lines are a fire hazard and risk to both utility crews and the public. Certain species, including palmetto trees, present unique challenges near power lines. Unlike other trees, palmettos cannot be reduced in height or directionally pruned. Side trimming is also not recommended, as these trees quickly replace pruned fronds and seed stalks. Due to their proximity to energized lines, palmetto trees identified for removal are typically not candidates for relocation, making removal the safest option.
The City of Charleston will continue to work closely with Dominion Energy and property owners to promote proper tree selection and placement. For a list of approved species and more information on how to plant the right tree in the right place, go to SC Tree Trimming and Powerlines | Dominion Energy.