Susan Sharkey really enjoys all the trees and plants that surround her home in El Cajon. She planted some of them herself, while others popped up on their own, including a tree that for 15 years stood firmly by her front window

In February, it suddenly withered and died.

“Yeah, it was a good friend to me,” said Sharkey with a laugh, somewhat making fun of how much she enjoys the greenery around her home. "I love trees. I’m big on trees, and whatever nature chooses to plant, I’m happy with. If it’s green and lush, and fresh, I’m happy

The sound of the wood chipper eating her dead tree could be heard many yards away. Within minutes, SDG&E had removed the tree and disposed of it.

So what happened? How did the tree die and why was SDG&E doing all the work?

Well, Sharkey said, she first no

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