200-year-old tree to be removed at SC golf course

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Beaufort County has given permission for removal of an oak tree estimated to be 200 years old from the golf course at Moss Creek in Bluffton.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports (http://bit.ly/rtJj15 ) one of the two trees approved for removal is 52 inches in diameter. Course officials say the trees block sunlight on two greens, preventing grass from growing.

More than 250 residents have signed a petition protesting the removal of the 200-year-old tree. They suggest trimming it would allow more sunlight on the course.

Mitchell Wilkerson with Moss Creek says course officials examined alternatives such as moving the greens before asking to remove the trees.

Moss Creek needs a permit and the newspaper reports that might allow residents time to appeal to the county planning commission.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com