Destruction of trees the root of many problems

Lois Levy, Gecko campaign co-ordinator

GECKO is delighted to learn that council has undertaken this important study of tree cover as it has been evident to the resident observer that the city has been losing its trees, as a result of urban development and the antipathy that some people have to trees (GC Bulletin, February 3).

Trees provide so many benefits to us. Not only do trees reduce temperatures on hot days, they provide habitat, beauty and visual amenity, oxygen for us to breath, absorb CO2, increase housing prices, reduce erosion and siltation of creeks and act as wind breaks.

It has been proven that tree cover reduces extremes of temperature and is essential to moderating heatwaves

Heat kills.

Australian death records underestimate the association between heat and mortality at least 50-fold and chronic heat stress is also under-reported. Council has very weak tree preservation local laws and development local laws in terms of retaining trees and vegetation on greenfield sites up for subdivision.

It does not even have a functional significant tree register.

It is much better to retain mature trees than bulldoze them and then plant uniform small trees that take decades to grow.

Trees are essential in housing developments, in landscaping surrounding high rise, along streets for walkers and cyclists and in parklands for recreation.

There have been many battles by “greenies” over retaining trees and native vegetation so it is nice to see their efforts vindicated.

Time for reform of tree preservation local laws and community wide education on the benefits of trees.