DALLAS - Residents in Lakewood are asking the Dallas City Council to help save their trees as Oncor prunes them to keep them away from power lines.
While Oncor says they are doing what is necessary, some residents say they're going too far and want a compromise.
"They are allowing seven feet in the contract, so we feel like seven feet would work for us and for them," said Fran Charbeneau, a Lakewood resident, while at Dallas City Hall Wednesday. "As long as they come back every four to five years and trim the trees, we shouldn't be having any more problems."
Oncor's rule states that tree branches must be cut back at least 10 feet and four inches away from power lines. Homeowners in the area say the trees are one of the primary reasons they chose to live in neighborhood and are an historic feature.
"I think Oncor could do a better job," said Alexis Adams, a Lakewood resident, of their pruning. "And, they're kind of the only game in town. We don't have a whole lot of recourse there."
Charbeneau brought photos of what she called "the devastation" to Dallas City Hall. One photo she brought showed a large tree with the mass of its top cut away, leaving a massive gap in the center.
"Not only is this ugly, but it is actually killing our trees," she said.
Debbie Dennis, vice president of Dallas customer operations with Oncor, spoke at a meeting where residents and Oncor met in attempt to talk out the problem.
"I wish we never had to prune a tree, but we do and we're obligated to keep the lights on," she said.
While Oncor representatives and residents met last week, the homeowners said they still feel the issue hasn't been resolved and are headed to the city council chambers Wednesday morning to express their feelings to council members.
