Opis

A number of established street shade trees in the area have suddenly died. Could someone knowledgeable about trees be sent to figure out exactly why? They are a terrible loss. Is there a tree disease epidemic or insect infestation, or did the City use different chemicals on the streets last winter that might have done this? Also, I have noticed that the City continues to mound earth and mulch around trees, which kills them (see explanation of how below). I brought this to the City's attention several years ago, but it has continued. Could it *please* be stopped? I see that many new trees are being planted, for which I thank you, but if this mounding continues, they will not last long. Following is an explanation of why mounding around trees kills them. *Please* have those in charge of planting trees and maintaining them read it, and *please* take this issue seriously. Thank you.

"Soil added around a tree reduces the amount of oxygen available to the roots and slows the rate of gas exchange in and around the roots. There may be less moisture and nutrients available to the roots or too much moisture may remain around the tree's roots. Inadequate oxygen reaching the roots or microorganisms in the soil around the roots can lead to an accumulation of chemicals that can injure tree roots. The tree's bark may decay where soil is newly in contact with it. Damage or injury to the tree because of the added soil may not become apparent for several months or years and generally appears as a slow decline followed by death."