Shade Tree Commission Authorized in Morristown
Residents say it will help replace trees damaged and destroyed by severe weather.
The Morristown Council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing a Shade Tree Commission at their Tuesday meeting.
Residents Tina Wahlstrom, Margaret Brady and Louise Witt all said such a commission would help the town recover trees lost in Hurricane Irene, the snowstorm of October 2012 and Hurricane Sandy.
"Our trees have been impacted by severe weather," Wahlstrom said. "I want to thank the administration and the council for establishing this Shade Tree Commission."
Brady said at Willow Hall, a registered historic site, she had been astonished to discover the value of damaged trees lost in storms over the last two years.
"We were shocked at the amount the trees were worth," she said. Six big trees worth $25,000 was only the start of it.
Over the years, Brady said, she has seen many big trees grow in Morristown. "There are many old trees that are valuable" in town, she said.
Now, though, she sees her neighbors, "out of fear of another storm, taking down their trees." She hopes the commission can help preserve and protect those trees still standing in public space, and foster a new generation of trees.
Councilwoman Rebecca Feldman said she hoped the commission would help "repair the urban canopy" enjoyed by so many.
Linda Shea
10:06 am on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
"urban canopy". Feldman just loves to put her 2 cents in. She is one of those that tries to get her name everywhere. She is against guns now and thinks trees are nice. What a fool she is.
Gobsmacked
10:46 am on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Quick, go out and shoot a tree!
BiggDogg
3:46 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
we should ban snow and wind for knocking all these trees over.
Tim Howard
4:03 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
We want more trees, but we don't want leaf blowers? What a bunch of brain surgeons we have on this council. But lets not talk about the important issues.
Chris Jansen
9:46 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Americans need more exercise and less air pollution. Raking leaves solves both problems.
Sunny Day
8:31 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Its a volunteer commission, residents to help inform the town to make better decisions on the topic to improve town. I applaud the residents who are taking action to improve their town.
If anyone is so against it, just write a note to the commission asking them to skip your section of your street, and be happy with any damaged/neglected trees you have.
Chris Jansen
9:39 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
I applaud the council for this. Trees improve air quality, provide shade in summer and sun in winter, decrease home cooling costs, beautify neighborhoods, sequester carbon and many other good things. To understand what trees can do, consider how many people enjoy the shady Morristown Green compared to how many people like to be on the empty brick plaza at Headquarters Plaza off Speedwell Avenue.
Motown Resident
7:39 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
It seems like a great idea until the "new commission" tells you can't cut down a tree because it's historical. When your out of power for 14 days or you incur property damage, who will now shoulder the liabililty? You will of course.......................I think they call living in a forest "camping".