City Tree Removal and Replacement
Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed that city trees in our neighborhood have been either trimmed or removed. There are a number of reasons for both of these activities. The information below was found on the City Forestry web site www.cityofrochester.gov
Reasons for Tree Removal: tree removal is a necessary management practice to ensure public safety, urban forest health, and responsible fiscal management (when alternative tree management practices exceed the value of the tree or will not prolong the tree’s life beyond 5 years).
Tree Maintenance: trees require periodic care. Pruning, watering and fertilization ensure long term health, increase longevity and limit storm damage. As trees grow, limbs may block street lighting or traffic control devices. Providing adequate clearance over the street and sidewalk is necessary for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The immensity and beauty of Rochester’s urban forest are visible every day, but the benefits are often overlooked. Trees filter toxic pollutants from the air and release life-giving oxygen.
The immensity and beauty of Rochester’s urban forest are visible every day, but the benefits are often overlooked. Trees filter toxic pollutants from the air and release life-giving oxygen. They intercept rainfall and slow erosion and storm water runoff. Besides providing shade, trees actually cool the air itself on hot summer days. Cooling and heating energy savings of as much as 25% result from properly positioned trees. Trees enhance the attractiveness of streetscapes, which results in increased property values. Trees reduce urban noise by blocking, absorbing and diffusing sound waves. And finally, trees soften the hard surfaces of a city and connect us with nature. Taking all that information into consideration, the importance of trees in our neighborhood is immense. We are concerned that trees have often been removed, but not replaced. After speaking with the Forestry Division, we were informed that tree re-planting is often hastened after hearing from the homeowner whose property is adjacent to the area where a tree was removed. Based on demand and tree availability, the Forestry Division offers tree plantings from April to June, and occasionally in November. If a tree has been removed from the City-owned area (between curb & sidewalk) in front of your property, and if you would like to request that the City consider re-planting a tree in that same area, please call Carol Kodweis, Forestry Technician, at 428-7710. • • • • • ••
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