<b>Tree trimming needs to keep ‘Lowcountry look’</b>

I read with interest the recent article in The Island News and The Beaufort Gazette regarding a Beaufort arborist working with DOT to trim trees in Beaufort and Port Royal in an effort “to improve traffic safety and to protect the health of the urban forest.” The article stated that “Our trees, especially our oaks, are an essential part of our Lowcountry look, history and ecology.”

I could not help but wish that county government and DOT would be as concerned about all the trees in the Lowcountry when they are trimming.  I realize that DOT has guidelines, especially when trimming to keep limbs away from utility lines, but it is a shame how they have left “our Lowcountry look”, including “our oaks” where they have trimmed.  When one drives down Highway 21 toward Hunting Island and along the back roads of our beautiful St. Helena island, one sees the horrible way in which trees have been left as a result of “trimming.” In some places, the landscape has been destroyed, not to mention the trees. It is a shame that this has happened and it basically says, “we don’t care” to everyone who lives here as well as those who visit.  There could be a better way, with planning, which has apparently happened based on what Beaufort and Port Royal have accomplished.  County government and DOT, couldn’t we plan better to preserve all the “Lowcountry look?”

<b>Extended yard sales in same location draw ire</b>

Have you ever noticed how some people have yard sales week after week at the same location? How many weeks before it’s considered a flea market or a home-based retail outlet? And don’t forget the day after a yard sale the signs that are left behind are just litter.

<strong>SOUND OFF HERE:</strong> Did you get a boot on your car or is the traffic light on your street slow? Or would you like to thank a stranger for a random act of kindness? Here’s your chance to sound off about what you love or hate or want improved in our community. Send your comments to LowcountryBroil@gmail.com and you could see them in the paper. Don’t worry: They’re all anonymous.
(The Island News reserves the right to omit names of people and businesses.)
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