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SAVANNAH, Ga. — A historic live oak tree, standing for three centuries, has become the focal point of a local dispute in Savannah. This development arose after a resident’s online post revealed that Georgia Power intends to remove the tree on Monday.
For many years, Jim Ball and Allen Grizzard have called their Little Neck Road residence in Chatham County home. Grizzard, who spent his childhood on the property, has witnessed the majestic oak tree flourish alongside him.
“I never imagined a day when it wouldn’t be there,” Grizzard expressed, reflecting on the tree’s enduring presence.
According to Ball and Grizzard, Georgia Power informed them on Wednesday about the impending removal of the tree. This action is part of the company’s plans to install high-voltage transmission lines in the area where the oak currently stands.
A spokesperson for Georgia Power explained that the installation is necessary to support infrastructure improvements.
“As we all know, Chatham County itself, our region has in our state has been growing economically,” Georgia Power External Communications Lead Joshua Peacock said. “So, we’re powering that growth and this is part of the infrastructure upgrades that we need to make to be able to meet that demand.”
Grizzard has fond memories growing up on the property with the live oak tree right outside. He said the last memories he has with his grandparents include playing under the tree.
“So, 62 years ago, I was six and I still remember the chicken and plum trees,” Grizzard said. “But you got to remember this road was dirt and sand, so the tree stepped back a little farther from the road than it does know. This was our favorite place to go.”
Georgia Power is working on an option for the family to keep pieces of the tree. This will allow them build art out of the wood to remember the live oak, Peacock said.
The family said they don’t see this as an even exchange. Therefore, the family took to social media with hopes to save their tree and spread their story.
Their post went viral and was shared amongst local Facebook pages.
The tree was scheduled to be removed Monday, but due to complaints and public comment Georgia Power will cut it down at a later date, Peacock said.
The homeowners got news Friday night that the Chatham County Arborist will now consider the tree an “Exceptional Tree.” According to the Chatham County Land Disturbing Activities Ordinance, the tree is now considered a public landmark and protected from destruction.
has reached out to Georgia Power to see if this would affect the removal. We will update as we learn more.