Consider the value of mature trees

Regarding Jim Slusher's Aug. 12 comments on coverage, I'd like to point out a connection between the two continuing bug stories, about saving ash trees from the borers and about the mosquito infestation enhanced by flooding: trees.

As Slusher points out, an important point for readers is the information about borer life cycle that leads to practical advice about how to save the valuable trees, both those on our own properties and those that shade our streets.

One thing that Harry Hitzeman didn't mention in his very informative article on Aug. 9 is the importance of mature trees in preventing flooding. As our municipalities have been rebuilt in recent years with much larger homes, some with backyard structures such as swimming pools, neighborhoods have lost many large, old trees.

Each time a development of new homes is proposed, a new facility built in a park, or a parking lot enlarged in a forest preserve, we should be paying attention to the cost in mature trees and the effect on storm runoff.

And as we consider the value of investing in the effort to save rather than remove our ash trees, we should be aware of this aspect of the trees' value.

Edna E Heatherington

Glen Ellyn