Can’t underestimate the value of trees

Arlington Heights is nearly on track with its emerald ash borer policy. I applaud their thoughtful approach to this issue. Treating the trees can save the canopy and you don’t have to treat all of them.

The value of these trees goes well beyond the cost of removal and replacement. Ecoservice values such as stormwater mitigation, pollution interception and cooling properties adds thousands of dollars in value per tree.

Large canopied trees slow rainfall and cool streets, and the roots absorb rainfall that might otherwise flood areas. Small trees offer small benefits and it is important to protect larger ash trees.

Trees are one of the few city assets that actually appreciate with age. Parkway trees are village property and village assets. The village has the duty to protect village assets. A bid should be let to negotiate the best price for treatment by a qualified company. Even if the village cannot cover the cost, homeowners could then opt to pay the negotiated (aka better) price.

This ensures quality arboriculture and a fair price for multiple trees. Recent research by the top university on this subject, Michigan State, shows that treating some of the trees in a city population can minimize the tree loss throughout the city even if all the trees are not treated.

Save the canopy, treat the ash trees, even if it is just some of them and even if homeowners must foot some of the bill.

Scott Jamieson, certified arborist

Arlington Heights