Featured Letter: Hey LIPA, butchering trees must stop
To the Editor:
A tree trimming crew was at my home today, trimming branches off the two once-beautiful maple trees on either side of my driveway.
Although my SUV was parked in the driveway and branches being cut were falling down around it, no one felt the need to come to my door to say anything to me. All I kept wondering was when one of those branches was going to hit my truck.
While I understand the need for trimming branches near power lines, there must be a better way to do so without literally butchering the trees. Being a horticulturist and a tree lover, I became distressed after I saw what remained of the trees.
As usual, the middles and sides were removed. The crew also left a mess of twigs and leaves on the lawn as well. Simply no respect at all.
When I called LIPA about my concerns I was told, “That’s the way it’s always been done and will continue to be done. We’ll have someone call you.”
Yes, something as simple and wonderful as a beautiful maple tree brought me joy. The practice of butchering trees must stop. LIPA needs to hire tree experts who know how to properly trim trees for the safety of the tree and the power lines without ruining that tree forever. Removing an entire section of a tree is not necessary. Proper pruning of a few select branches would be a better choice.
If the utility refuses to find another way to trim trees the right way, it may as well just cut them completely down because what’s left behind is an unsightly mess. Destroying landscapes also affects property values.
LIPA should consider revamping its forestry program to stop the damage it’s doing.
The sad part about this whole situation is residents of this town have complained before and yet this practice still continues. It’s another example of the “big guy” ignoring the “little people.”
Maybe just for once, listen to our voices and about what matters to us. There is more than one way to get the job done.
Connie McCaffery, Cutchogue
Read more Letters to the Editor in this week’s Suffolk Times available on newsstands or by clicking for the E-Paper.
