Tree Clearing Begins in Lower Macungie

Contractors for PPL Corp. began clearing vegetation from its rights of way throughout Lower Macungie Township.

"Clearing vegetation" is the term PPL uses for cutting down trees that have the potential to pull down power lines—in a storm or any time.

Sauerkraut Lane appeared to be the starting point on Tuesday, when an estimated 75 trees were chopped and ground. The electric utility company will continue until it has cleared all trees within its rights of way that are not listed in its list of "compatible vegetation."

Many Lower Macungie residents were extremely upset about the PPL decision to clear the trees and told the company so at a recent public meeting.

Lower Macungie Patch's Facebook page has been filling with comments from either property owners whose trees are being cut, some whose trees will be cut and spectators.