Oncor Tree Cutting Progress Update

“I’m glad to report that Oncor has completed its cutting and trimming of trees along the Tollway.  It’s been almost two months since we learned of Oncor’s plan to cut down ALL of the trees between Forest Lane and Harvest Hill Road.  With the help of Council Member Jennifer Gates, a number of City Staffers (Lauren Clayton, Tammy Palomino, Alexandra Heller-Relayze) and Arborist Steve Houser, our community was successful in persuading Oncor to alter its plans, which is nothing short of a miracle.

Thanks to all who voiced their concerns to both Oncor and our elected representatives.  Our collective voices is what made the difference.   Additional thanks to our HOA President Linda Vallala and those neighbors who volunteered in many different ways in this campaign; Susan Luce, Don Goldstein, Dan Herbert, Bonnie Brown and Joe Mastrogiovanni.

While many trees and bushes were cut down, ALL of the 30-year old live oak trees and some of the pine trees were spared.  Certainly, the northernmost and southernmost ends of the easement suffered the most severe cutting, with many mature pines trees removed.  Otherwise, most of what was cut was the vegetation and “volunteer” trees that were allowed to thrive for the last 3 decades.

Even though the area looks very different today, I’m told that much of the vegetation will return.  Also, Oncor has promised to be plant new, restricted height trees and plants in those areas that were most impacted by the cutting.  Although it was hard to watch so many trees cut down, I am thankful for those that remain.

We will be meeting with Oncor sometime in January to discuss next steps.  We also intend to engage NTTA to discuss improving the sound barrier wall.”

Richard L. Brown