Majority Rules Blog: Seattle Urban Forestry Commission Needs to Concentrate on New Tree Ordinance

Majority Rules Blog: Seattle Urban Forestry Commission Needs to Concentrate on New Tree Ordinance

All this unfunded mandate would be great if the municipal government allocated resources to care for the trees.

With 2/3 of the 1.3 million trees in the city on private property, the 400,000 trees lining our streets, in parks, and at city facilities are being left to rot.

Over half of the city tree budget pays for administrators to discuss the issue.

The 2009 Audit says the budget should match the scope of the job. Lack of a tree inventory leaves us without the ability to convince the city council that the problem is serious.

A bunch of trees planted after WWII are just about shot, after receiving a half century of neglect. The budget for tree removal is about to skyrocket, while what is really needed is to start pruning to increase tree longevity. Pruning young trees is the best way to save money, because it reduces future need for tree services.

Arboreally yours,
Michael Oxman
www.SaveSeattlesTrees.com