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Become a Tree Fighter
By Joyce Marin
Street trees are good for us. They beautify our neighborhoods
and increase our property values. Their leaves clean our air, and their
roots reduce stormwater runoff. The trunks of street trees provide a physical
barrier to protect pedestrians from traffic.
Street trees' canopies shade and shelter those walking along the sidewalks
under them, making a quick walk to the corner store or a neighbor's house
an enjoyable experience. Mature trees can even help us save energy and
money in warm weather by cooling nearby buildings that then require less
air conditioning.
The presence and condition of trees are a good measure of the health and
quality of our community.
But did you know we have a "tree deficit" in the urban areas
of the United States? More trees are being removed from the ground than
are being planted.
Trees need advocates. Some people complain that they should be removed
because they are messy and heave the sidewalks. Because they conflict
with utility lines or traffic, municipal public works departments, utility
companies and state departments of transportation sometimes have policies
that discourage the presence of street trees. Municipalities, wary of
the cost of maintenance or the liability of ownership sometimes encourage
trees to be planted on private property only.
In "City, Rediscovering the Center," author William H. Whyte
states, "A city needs tree fighters." Communities of all sizes
need people who will be the street tree advocates, working for the planting,
pruning and, when necessary, replacement of these important community
assets.
Here are some things regular citizens like you can do to put or protect
street trees in your town:
1. Join the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Log on at www.arborday.org to learn
how to celebrate National Arbor Day, about planting the right tree for
the right spot, or to get a free copy of the "Greening America -
Tree City USA" booklet.
2. Learn more about Urban Forestry.
Urban Forestry is a fast growing movement that recognizes trees are a
vital part of any urban landscape. It supports the professionals and volunteers
who do the important work of planting and caring for trees in our communities.
Learn more at: www.treelink.org
3. Read, "The Simple Act of Planting a Tree, A Citizen Forester's
Guide to Healing Your Neighborhood, Your City, and Your World."
This inspiring book was written by a couple of citizen activists who committed
to planting trees in Los Angeles. Their voices of experience were developed
as they worked toward a million tree goal and will encourage you in your
local efforts. You can read it online or order it at: www.treelink.org/books/simpleact/index.htm.
4. Meet With Whomever is In Charge of Tree Planting In Your Town.
You can start with the director of public works or talk to your local
elected officials. Once you find out who is in charge, you can ask how
best you can help.
5. Form or Serve on a Shade Tree Commission or Tree Board.
In many places, regular people like you serve their communities by volunteering
on a Shade Tree Commission or Tree Board. If you don't have one, you can
start one. For a further explanation of this important civic activity:
www.arborday.org/programs/TreeCityStandards.html
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