Tree-lined streets will again be a hallmark of the Landon Place subdivision now that a project is underway to replace more than 100 live oaks mistakenly chopped down by Richland County last year.

This week, a local contractor began planting trees in the Northeast community to correct the erroneous result of a chain-reaction related to the October 2015 flood.

A caller complained to the County that a line of trees was blocking the views of motorists in the subdivision. But the work order to investigate the complaint, along with many others, was put on hold for several months as Public Works focused on flood recovery. In May, delayed work orders were fast-tracked – and the Landon Place work order was misinterpreted. In a few days, 112 trees were cut down to the dismay of homeowners and the subdivision developer, who contacted the County.

The County Administrator assured the community every tree would be replaced. While the goal was to have the trees planted in time for Arbor Day in December, the process to secure a contractor took longer than expected.

Richland County Public Works stayed in close communication with the homeowners’ association and families of Landon Place throughout the tree replacement process. Ten homeowners preferred to not have the trees near their residences replaced.

All of the live oaks are scheduled to be planted by the end of next week, weather permitting.