Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Sit in the shade and think for a minute before cutting down that tree

I have a pet peeve lately, and it involves the cutting down of mature, healthy, shade-providing trees.

A few years ago, a man in Anthem was arrested for cutting down trees because they were blocking his view. I'm glad he was prosecuted.

The reason he was prosecuted, however, was because of the damage he caused, not for ending the life of a tree. I am beginning to believe that there should be punishments for those who cut down any trees in our city.

As I was on an evening walk in my neighborhood, I came across a home where the front yard had been xeriscaped. I'm not a fan of the rock landscaping and think that it adds to the hot temperatures in the summer, but I know that's where we're at today with trying to conserve water.

While looking over the new landscaping in the yard, I realized something was gone. Where a huge, mature pine tree once stood, there was now a tiny desert bush.

"What are these people thinking?" I gasped out loud to my husband. "They'll be sorry they cut that tree down when summer comes and their power bill is sky high now that they don't have that shade any longer."

What gives someone the right to end the life of a tree that is tall, healthy, and provides shade and oxygen?

I've been willing my two baby trees in the front yard to grow ever since we planted them four years ago, because the house we bought came complete with a stump — a very large elm tree had been chopped down by previous owners.

Two years ago, when construction started on the newly rebuilt Gordon McCaw Elementary, about a dozen or so mature mulberry trees were uprooted from the McCaw field to make way for the parking lot. I sent an e-mail to my councilman because I was in such a rage over this. I felt that the trees could have been left there. They lined the perimeter of the property.

Unfortunately, the council member told me the property belonged to the school district and, consequently, it was their decision to cut the trees. The city didn't have any say.

I fully realize there are some trees that cause people allergies, but the benefits of trees must be considered before they are mercilessly chopped down.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy