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Opinion from Hamilton: Breckenridge tree butchers running amok under cover of darkness?

The Breck tree butchers

This call to vigilance is not only for residents of the French Creek neighborhood in Breckenridge, but for everyone. I have cared for trees in French Creek common areas for quite a few years. Recently, I removed two beetle-kill trees along Reiling Road by the pond. I was horrified to find that beetles were a secondary pathogen, with a human being the primary. This felon, whom I assume seeks a better resort view, has been girdling community trees. They have girdled a half-dozen healthy, mature trees thus far. The definition of girdling is: To cut away the bark and cambium in a ring around (a plant) usually to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients.

Identifying a tree-care professional operating a chainsaw while on the ground is easy. Just look for the “PPE,” or Personal Protective Equipment, which is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement. Easily identifiable PPE are head/face (hardhat with face shield lowered), eye (safety glasses), ear (earplugs or muffs) and hand (gloves) protection. Other PPE required include chainsaw-resistant chaps or pants and steel-toed boots. If any of these items are missing something may be amiss.



Please call your HOA and/or law enforcement if you witness anyone not appearing to be a tree-care professional operating on public or community properties. If you hear a chainsaw at night for no apparent reason emanating from an area of known common space or public property please do the same. It is exceptionally rare for a tree-care professional to operate at night except in the event of an emergency.

Thanks for keeping your eyes peeled and saving our beautiful trees!



Erik Hamilton

Breckenridge


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