There are a number of logical reasons for the planting and preservation of trees. According to many sources urban trees contribute to making cities socio-economically and environmentally more sustainable. They simply improve the livability of our cities.
They affect our air. Planting trees remains one of the most cost-effective ways of drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For every 10% increase in urban tree canopy, ozone is reduced by 3-7%. Large trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates, like car exhaust fumes.
They affect our water. Mature trees play a key role in not only absorbing water that could prevent flooding, but allow for water absorption into the underground aquifers, our primary source of water. They can affect sound. Trees can form an effective sound absorbing barrier to help reduce unwanted urban noise pollution.
They can affect temperature. They reduce temperatures via shade and transpiring water. This becomes an effective tool in reducing urban heat island effects. They can affect property values. Studies indicate a consistent 5-15% increase in property values on tree lined streets.
The City of Los Alamitos Municipal Code incorporates a number of statements related to trees. They include, among others: 12.24.040 …no city tree or parkway tree shall be…removed…except in conformity with…the tree master plan: 12.24.090 No person, except authorized city personnel or agents, shall remove any city tree…it shall be a misdemeanor…for any person to cause… any act requiring a permit in accordance with this chapter without first obtaining such permit: 12.24.130 Any person responsible for the illegal…removal of any city tree may be required to pay restoration fee…
I offer the above as it pertains to what I see up and down every street in my neighborhood, a whole bunch of missing trees. I hope your neighbors have conformed better to not only what is proven to affect the quality of life in Los Alamitos, but in accordance with City policy. How does your neighborhood stack up?
Oh, and I might add, that there does not seem to be any plan or order to the placement, type, and number of trees that line our city’s main thoroughfares. Take a look the next time you head out.
Thanks for your time,
Elliott Singer
Los Alamitos