‘Unfortunately, the tree must be removed’: Historic 300-year-old oak tree taken down in Chatham Co.

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia Power issued an update about a live oak on Little Neck Road that has garnered significant community attention this month.

SEE: Chatham County homeowner moves to save 300-year-old ‘exceptional’ oak threatened by powerline path

In a quote to WTOC, Georgia Power said while they understand the oak’s significance, the tree must be removed.

“We appreciate the important cultural and historical significance of Savannah’s live oaks. For more than 100 years, Savannah Electric and Georgia Power have worked to protect our area’s trees and other natural resources as the area has grown. We also recognize the history of this tree and the sentimental attachment many have to it – we have explored all options and, unfortunately, the tree must be removed. While we always work to listen to different perspectives and minimize our impact as much as we can, our priority has to be maintaining reliable and affordable electric service to thousands of customers in Savannah,” said William Mock, region executive for Georgia Power based in Savannah.

Mock said they are aware this is not the outcome many Savannahians desired.

“We truly regret that we have to remove this tree, and we hope that our neighbors can understand the importance of this project and our position. There simply is no other option,” added Mock.

Georgia Power shared the following details regarding the company’s decision to remove it:

• The transmission line project involved is the expansion and upgrade of the Little Ogeechee-Big Ogeechee line, which runs nearly 5 miles along Little Neck Road and is needed to ensure reliability in the area for existing residential and business customers, while also meeting new load growth. The line is slated to be complete this summer – failing to complete the line on time could result in unexpected outages (also known as blackouts) in Savannah during the hottest time of the year.
• Georgia Power explored every possible option for this transmission line expansion. While the company can make some concessions during planning, transmission lines must be constructed in compliance with federal regulations for safety and reliability. The current route, including removing the live oak tree in question, complies with federal regulations and is the least impactful route to the community overall – allowing the company to protect and avoid wetlands, a cemetery and prevent removing hundreds of additional trees over an estimated 17+ total acres in the area.
• The live oak sits on private property and is not a part of a public park or any historically designated area. Georgia Power has negotiated in good faith with the property owners and highly compensated them for the additional easement on their property over a year ago, at which time they agreed to allow the company to trim or remove the tree.
• While a Chatham County arborist has recognized the tree as an “exceptional tree,” Georgia Power has authority under state law to remove the tree and manage the right of way as necessary to ensure reliable electric service for customers. There is no further action required to proceed.

WTOC headed to the scene Wednesday morning as crews worked to take down the tree. Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Power were the only ones out at the site Wednesday.

WTOC was there when the same tree was deemed a public landmark by Chatham County. Under a county ordinance that means it’s not to be disturbed or damaged.

However, Georgia Power told us Wednesday that they operate as an exception to that ordinance because of their transmission line plan, which has been in the works for years.