We need trees. For countless reasons we need trees: shade, protection, oxygen, carbon sequestration, beauty, animal and insect habitat, food for animals, plants, and humans…
Many go on vacation for rest, healing, and peace looking for places where they are surrounded by trees. What is the value of a tree? How do we calculate the incalculable?
We know trees increase property values. Intuitively, we all know trees give for the good of all living things. Yet, we continue to dominate trees by cutting them down long before they are able to live out their life cycle. If you look around, especially this time of year when we long for coming renewal of spring, you may notice trees have been removed everywhere.
People are cutting trees around their homes; tree “service” companies cut; electric and gas companies cut around easements; township, county, and state cut along roadways; farmers are clearing tree lines and shrinking “woodlots”; foresters and ODNR are cutting state forests and parks; arborists in our “Tree Cities” cut trees.
Right now there is a Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District timbering operation cutting 26 acres between SR 95 and Malabar State Park. This is an area tourist and locals flock to because of the trees. There are trees cut in Mohican and Malabar campgrounds and trees felled by Mohican cabins as they often are each winter while tourists are away. The trees on SR 60 just south of Hayesville have been dropped but the lone billboard still stands.
Have you noticed, humans are taking down the most appealing and natural aspects in our yards, towns, roadways, fields, and forests (that remain)?
Who is replacing these trees and is it “like for like”? Trees do not grow nor are they being planted at the rate they are being dropped. In our fast paced society, many are so busy they have forgotten the invaluable importance, need and desire for all the things a tree gives us. So, as we approach this time of renewal and rebirth, please consider native trees in your yard. Also, allow the trees in your care to grow, thrive, and live out their grand life.
“He who plants a tree, plants hope.” — John Muir
Theresa Clark
Loudonville, Ohio
