The city is doing the right thing in taking stock of street trees that will eventually die from emerald ash borer. They hired professionals to sub contract their removal. In the case of my street, Michael’s Tree and Loader Service out of Memphis, TN was on the scene.
I watched them work for two days and man are they skilled. Dropping a tree seems simple, but in practice it is not in a city as dense as my neighborhood. The cars on the street are the issue. People don’t always respect the warning signs, and it delays their work.
While I completely understand the removal of these species, I am troubled with our future. My experience with city departments is not the best. Parks, Forestry, Streets, these are not what I would call service oriented or, citizen-focused. I wish I could brag on these departments and show what great work they are doing. I’ve actually tried, but my gut and common sense led me to believe we are not being served in a modern or normal/equitable way given our insane taxes that only rise year over year.
The trouble is, if I understand the future, the replanting of much needed street trees is up to us, the residents, property owners or citizens. That could take years, or worse yet, nothing will happen.
First, the average citizen does not know how to request a tree. Others are ignorant and think street trees detract from their immediate needs of less leaves, potential maintenance and unencumbered car door opening.
Per a 2022 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article:
“The City of St. Louis Forestry Division is working to remove another 10,000 of the tree species that is common along city streets. While some large, healthy trees are being treated against the pest, most are being removed, said Forestry Commissioner Alan Jankowski. The number has increased, he added, as improved technology and data informed the city's tree inventory. The condemned trees are turned into mulch and landscaping, and free replacement trees can be requested through the City, if available, or through not-for-profits like Forest ReLeaf of Missouri.” - Colter Peterson , Michael Hamtil - St Louis Post-Dispatch
So if I’m reading this correctly, it’s up to you to go through the city or take the time to work with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri (who are awesome), but will the average citizen go the extra mile, do the research, put in the work and follow through with a street tree replacement for the thousands of mature shade trees being removed?
Per the St. Louis City website:
“Residents that want to plant, remove, prune, or treat trees in this tree lawn area must first obtain a Tree Permit to do so or by calling the Citizens' Service Bureau at 314-622-4800 and request to receive a tree permit.
Without a permit, you may be subject to fines or fees.”
Click here if you want to request a tree planting.
People who value trees will place orders for new ones. Those who don’t, won’t. We are left with the populous opinion that street trees are annoying or that the average resident is uninformed has little faith in city government or action. Look no further than North City neighborhoods that are barren of street trees. Or, look no further than the more well to do neighborhoods of Holly Hills, St. Louis Hills and see what a difference it makes when trees are taken seriously.
Let’s do the right thing for EVERYONE and just plant trees as a city. The benefits are undeniable. A simple education will help the masses.
Here are some undeniable benefits of street trees:
22 Benefits of Urban Street Trees - Walkable Communities
6 Ways Trees Benefit All Of Us - The Nature Conservancy
The Benefits of Street Trees - Strong Towns
This is a we issue, not a me issue. We live in a city. We want and need healthy spaces. We want cheaper utility bills, we want people who value their home and environment. Why do we kick the can when the city should be stepping up?
I would have preferred the Forestry Department develop a comprehensive plan to replant trees equitably across the entire city. I’d be patient and willing to believe we are headed in the right direction if a clear plan was communicated to take the burden off the citizen and do what we pay copious taxes to our city departments to provide.
Ask the progressives we’ve given the keys to recently. I think they know, understand and care way more than the old school; but, will they prioritize public health, safety and beautification, or will they pass the buck to the resident or worse yet, let Forestry handle it the same old way we’ve been doing it for years…piecemeal and patchwork.
I’ll watch and vote. That’s all I can do.
