Development versus Trees

I am temporarily away from Saskatoon in another country working towards restoration of rainforests and environmental education.   

Even though I knew it would probably happen it was still a shock to hear about the removal of the Gathercole elms.  It led me to reflect on our lack of understanding of the impact our large mature trees have on our environment.  It saddens me to think that this is the legacy we are leaving our children. The argument for large trees has been quantified through studies that prove dollar for dollar returns and environmental benefits are only reached when trees become large-statured.  Planting small trees is important for the future but without a change in policy these young trees may someday fall to the same fate as their predecessors.  Trees need to be preserved and live long enough for us to see the benefits they can provide.

When arborists become lumberjacks and cities prioritize tall buildings over tall trees the future for a healthy environment is compromised.  I secretly hoped that there would be no reputable tree company with certified arborists who would want the job of cutting down 80+ year old healthy trees.   The definition of an arborist is – a specialist in the care of woody plants, especially trees.   Caring about preservation of the trees seems to lose its appeal when it comes to progress; whether that means financial gain or changes in urban infrastructure.  Big buildings, brilliant lights, and clean lines of concrete is the theme of our downtown development.  In the country where I am currently working they seem to be getting it.  You no longer can cut down a tree, even on private property without good reason and without a permit which is difficult to obtain.   Government programs pay landowners to preserve their trees. This is just a developing country.  We in Saskatoon should have the education and knowledge of environmental issues including climate change to know better and work to preserve these precious resources that take a lifetime to grow.

Joni Mitchell says it best:

 “They took all the trees
Put ‘em in a tree museum
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see ‘em
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got
Till it’s gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot”