If your trees are threatening power lines, the electric company can take them down, but while crews are at it, they may also clear everything else around them without your knowledge.

Jim Oliver of Lake Wylie learned that the hard way.

“I was ticked off,” Oliver said. “They left me with a mess.”

A Duke Energy transmission line runs through Oliver’s backyard. He said the company explained to him, for safety and reliability reasons, crews needed to remove five of his larger trees, which he did not oppose. However, he was shocked when he returned from a weekend away to discover crews had cleared hundreds more than they had discussed.

Duke Energy spokesperson Logan Kureczka said the utility has a right to trim and clear vegetation along easements and surrounding “danger tree buffer” zones. Oliver’s property falls within that zone, but there’s something else at play here.

Kureczka said Duke considers anything 5 inches or smaller in diameter in an unmaintained area to be “brush.” She said crews will tell you if they plan on cutting down a tree, but you may not get a heads-up about the surrounding “brush.” #WakeUpCLT

Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a thriving and vibrant city. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, with a population that is increasing steadily. This makes it a great place to live and raise a family. The cost of living is low compared to most American cities, which means that you can live in a nice, comfortable home without breaking the bank.

The city of Charlotte offers a lot of entertainment for residents and visitors. There are several museums and activities to choose from. There is a good balance of indoor and outdoor attractions. The area has a great job market, and it is home to some of the largest banks in the country. You can easily get around the city on public transportation.

There are a variety of sports teams to support, including the Charlotte Hornets. There is also an exciting beer and wine scene in Charlotte. There are hundreds of breweries and wineries in the area.

The city is also home to several Fortune 500 companies. Some of the top employers include American Airlines, Bank of America, and Lowe’s.

Another popular attraction is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The museum is a beautiful building that houses a range of exhibits. This is a must see for both residents and visitors.

The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase is held in April. This event attracts spectators from all over the world.

If you’re interested in art, you’ll be impressed with the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. The museum is open daily except Tuesday and has a collection of over one million pieces.