Dear Editor:
I write today as a deeply concerned resident of Bryan County. While we all recognize and support the need for safe and efficient roadways—especially in one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia—the current method of tree trimming along Highway 144 in Richmond Hill raises serious questions about our stewardship of the natural beauty that defines our region.
The recent trimming work, as illustrated in the attached photographs, shows what can only be described as the butchering of our iconic Live Oak trees. These are not just trees; they are living landmarks—stately, mature symbols of the Lowcountry’s heritage. The aggressive cutting appears to ignore best practices in arboriculture, leaving splintered limbs, unbalanced canopies, and in some cases, long-term harm to the tree’s structure and viability.
What makes this more troubling is the inconsistency: just one mile away, at the site of the new roundabout under construction, a majestic Live Oak is being carefully preserved, reportedly due to community pressure.
This raises the question— why protect one tree while allowing the destruction of others along the same corridor?
I respectfully urge the Board and the Georgia Department of Transportation to immediately review and, if needed, suspend this trimming project until qualified arborists can evaluate the methods being used. If this work is being contracted out, the contractors must be held to professional standards that prioritize preservation over convenience.
Growth is inevitable.
But how we grow—how we balance progress with preservation—defines who we are as a community. We must do better than this. Richmond Hill deserves infrastructure that is both safe and beautiful.
Initially I assumed this trimming was being directed by Bryan County. I raised my concern with the Bryan County Commissioners, including Chairman Carter Infinger. I have been informed that this is a Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project, not a county initiative.
That may be technically true—but I am disappointed that Chairman Infinger has shown no inclination to advocate on behalf of residents or to press GDOT for answers.
When the local government sees damage being done to the very character of our community, silence is not leadership.
A simple inquiry, a public statement, or a request for clarification from GDOT would have demonstrated leadership to the people of Bryan County that their concerns matter.
Willem Kruger, Richmond Hill, Georgia --
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