Hilton Head man appeals to keep tree-chipping business open

A Hilton Head Island mulching business is fighting to keep its chippers running on Leg O’ Mutton Road.

ArborNature has filed an appeal with the town to continue recycling trees into mulch, noisy work that has raised the ire of nearby residents in Indigo Run and businesses along Leg O’ Mutton for about a year. Town manager Steve Riley said the appeal is filed for June 27.

Land management ordinance officials cited ArborNature owner Adam Congrove on May 13 for operating other than as wholesale nursery on his 2-acre tract. The business was also cited in January and given a $250 fine after town officials visited the site and found no nursery products, like potted plants.

In August, the Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue Division also cited the business for the size of its debris piles, which exceeded the town’s 25-foot height limit at that time.

ArborNature may continue mulching as it awaits appeal, Riley said.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 7:28 PM with the headline "Hilton Head man appeals to keep tree-chipping business open."