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<br /> A kinder, gentler, shadier America
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<br /> P e aren't owners o- trees; ep
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<br /> By GREGORY M. AHLIJIAN I am also not opposed to urban growth, and on occasion removing
<br /> some stately specimens for development is unavoidable. Urban growth
<br /> AM WRITING out of frustration, but more importantly to encourage and a healthy, well- managed and diversified urban forest are not mutu-
<br /> I dialogue on some philosophical issues that I encounter quite fre- ally exclusive. For example, let's not forget that the construction of the
<br /> quently in my profession. bike paths throughout our urban parks system required the removal of
<br /> Practicing arborculture during the past 12 years in Lane County, I trees. - " _
<br /> have encountered many property owners who wanted to remove stately, The recent cutting of trees just outside the city limits has angered
<br /> historic or special trees for reasons as trivial as "I can't get grass to grow many citizens as well as some city officials. The intent of this column is
<br /> under the tree," or "I'm tired of raking leaves," or "The tree is so messy, not to criticize or justify those events, but rather to Illustrate a point
<br /> it's always shedding something." Other property owners want to have Because the cutting of those trees took place on a particular site and
<br /> their trees topped or removed because they block the sun, block the in a short period of time the magnitude was greatly felt. With regard to
<br /> view, or both. Eugene's historic or special trees, perhaps a tree right in your own yard,
<br /> At times I have responded to these shortsighted property owners by this removal process is taking place daily. The magnitude of the impact,
<br /> suggesting that perhaps they should move rather than destroy the trees, however, is not felt as greatly because it is diffused over time and
<br /> since the trees were there first. I admit that that is not always the best throughout an entire city. But the net result is the same.
<br /> solution for the property owner, but my recommendation makes a point. Thus, the philosophical questions regarding historic or special trees
<br /> Usually, however, I suggest alternatives such as enlarging the mulch we must struggle with are: At what point do we discard the arrogant
<br /> bed beneath the canopy where the debris from the tree could decom- attitude that "If it's on my land I can do with it what I want"? Converse -
<br /> pose and add nutrients to the soil. In cases where people want more sun ly, at what point do we justify the right to remove trees to alter or
<br /> or view, I may suggest pruning the canopy to allow filtered light through develop a piece of property?
<br /> or framing views with the branches rather than removing or topping. At what point do we assume the responsibility for preserving what
<br /> On very rare occasions, after extensive educational efforts have preceded us? At what point do we realize that we will enhance develop -
<br /> failed, I simply refuse bidding the job if I cannot philosophically agree meat by not developing if it means destroying historic trees? At what
<br /> with the property owner's desire to disfigure (by topping or pollarding) point do we realize and accept that we Inherited a living specimen of
<br /> or remove a tree. On some of these occasions, by refusing to earn nature that has continued the struggle to live through storms, drought,
<br /> income by doing something wrong, it has had the welcome effect of neglect or, worse yet, abuse from man, and that perhaps we owe some-
<br /> changing that individual's mind. Often the very tree that was to be thing to this specimen — at least a debt of gratitude for all this tree has
<br /> removed becomes a favorite at the completion of the job. provided our community throughout its life. At what point do we realize
<br /> that we do not own trees, but that we are merely their transitory
<br /> I am not opposed to removing trees. Many times 1 can recall educat- custodians?
<br /> ing a property owner, explaining why under their circumstances the Perhaps we, as stewards of our planet, owe this tree at the very least
<br /> removal of trees would be a benefit to the site or a benefit to adjacent nothing more than the respect of life.
<br /> trees which are to remain. (Overcrowded trees, incompatible tree spe-
<br /> cies growing too dose together, sick, dying, or dangerous trees, and
<br /> thinning to release more valuable trees are just a few reasons why trees Gregory M. Ahlijian operates a tree maintenance service and is
<br /> ,_ _ chairman of the Eugene Tree Commission.
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