Quercus phellos
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bill emory file photo
Does anyone know the value of these trees? I heard that the timber at Ragged Mountain Natural Area– soon slated for a mega-reservoir– didn’t have much value, or more accurately, that the value of the Ragged Mountain trees would be realized by the low bidder on the earthen dam. But what is the value of this downtown stand? What is the replacement plan? Maybe we could let the restaurants and vendors who lease this space sell the lumber to help defray their rental expense? Have there been any reports from arborists that these juvenile willow oaks are “in decline”? That is often the way the cutting begins.
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Commentator Bill Emory puts up a new photo nearly every day at billemory.com/blog.
8 comments
The city owns the trees on the mall so restaurants can't sell what they don't own. If they had leased the timber rights you might have a point. The value of the trees at the damn is recognized by the massive replacement of trees that will be planted as part of the mitigation. You have ignored this very important part of the equation. Trees are a renewable resource if you cut down 10 and plant 20 isn't that a reasonable trade?
What are the Bubbas charging these days for a cord of firewood? That be your answer.
breakin out the latin name and they got it right! Way to go!
To answer your question the trees are priceless given their size and location. You could not replace them with trees half of this size. They are in good shape the city actually takes good care of them unlike the Zelkova trees along main street where they only get pruned once every eight years. Trees are used for much more than firewood Toni, don't be so glib.
The City also owns ( owned) the land at Ragged Mountain, thus the trees. So, yes, those trees have real value. greater value because it is mature timber. But of course St Halsey wants to leave out those important pieces of the equation.Whats more the City only gets 15% of the value of those trees at whatever was negotiated because they went to defray the dam building costs.
Around here trees are weeds and if you value your property, cut 'em down before they get big. Look down on this area from the air sometime. Not like they're endangered.
God help someone who buys a house in an older C'ville neighborhood with a yard loaded with over-mature Oaks. It'd cost you what you paid for the house just to get rid of the things before they blow over on your house.
Those trees are priceless. They are beautiful, healthy and help clean the air. They already have a root system and can usually survive with moisture from rainfall. Many in the planning and construction phase do not value trees and clear every thing; some of the existing trees could be incorporated into the design phase. Instead everything looks like Highway 29. It all looks alike-- it is barren, uninviting and very hot during the summer. I come from a state that does not have an abundance of trees and I am truly appalled and sad when I see trees razed and then at completion of the project the land has been turned in buildings and asphalt and sometimes too close to the road or highway. Older trees should be valued for their beauty not their retail price, and incorporated into the project design---they are as important as the design or appearance of the building/project. Wouldn't you rather drive down 250 where trees and plantings provide the landscape?
Toni H. January 27th, 2012 | 11:47am
Around here trees are weeds
Are you a FOOL or practicing for a part in a play?