(Here are some ideas/thoughts to the ongoing discussion on Heritage Trees, Tree Failures, Safety, and Canopy conservation. Rather than sending a single large message, Im sending 4 related messages)
Ive heard multiple cases of homeowners indicating that they wanted to take care of a Heritage tree but that they, or their tree contractor, didnt know what was acceptable. In some of these cases Ive read that the contractor knew that 25% of the canopy could be trimmed but they didnt dare do it because they were worried they would be found at fault and would be penalized with a fine. In other cases, Ive read different conflicting versions of why the permit was requested or not.
It seems to me it would be useful to have a public and transparent record of the permits, both past - approved or denied - and ongoing. It should be very easy for a homeowner, neighbor, or a contractor to find out the status of a tree request, including dates when the request was submitted and the different interactions. If the tree is removed, there should be a description of why and how it is being replaced.
The printed labels attached to the tree are useful and should be retained, but an online web site is a common and very useful approach to complement that.
Clarity and transparency will help in these conversations and would avoid misunderstandings and presumptions of biased or arbitrary decisions.
Thanks for your attention,
Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart, resident of The Willows
