Treating trees better than removing them

The Arlington Heights Village Board has recommended implementing a $11.5 million bond program for removal and replacement of the villages 13,000 ash trees.

Why is the village willing to fund an $11.5 million removal program, yet will not consider the far less costly option of a subsidized tree preservation program?

Please consider:

Ÿ Trees add property value. Real estate studies show one of the most desired amenities is a home with mature trees, adding 10-15 percent to a home’s resale value. Real estate prices have declined 30 percent, can residents afford an additional loss?

Ÿ A mature tree’s root system absorbs and diverts stormwater runoff, a very important factor in flood prevention. Removing 100-150 trees in each subdivision will create costly flooding problems.

Ÿ Trees not only provide beauty and shade, but also greatly reduce utility costs, especially in southern and western exposures.

Ÿ Trees filter/cleanse the air we breathe and act as natural sound barriers.

Many residents are unaware if they have ash trees and most older established neighborhoods do not have homeowner associations. The village needs to initiate the program.

Possible options to implement a cooperative tree preservation program include:

Ÿ Transfer the $2 million from the general fund for tree replacement and to hire a tree care firm to evaluate and treat all village trees.

Ÿ Contracting a tree care firm will eliminate the additional expense of hiring a full-time village forestry employee. Company arborists can tell the homeowner and village which trees below 50 percent survival need removal.

Ÿ Obtain a quantity price discount and institute a cost- sharing preservation program with the residents.

Ÿ Additional funds could also be raised by a special tree surcharge to all village residents.

Removal of all ash trees whether healthy or diseased, will not only result in decreased property values, increased flooding and higher utility costs, but will greatly diminish the value of the entire village.

Christine Sacks

Arlington Heights