Tree canopy

Re “Virginia General Assembly adjourns after passing 2-year state budget proposal” (March 9): Gov. Glenn Youngkin is now considering tree conservation during new construction (HB459, HB529 and HB1100).

At issue is the need for more stringent tree conservation laws versus the costs incurred by developers and builders when having to protect existing canopy. The problem, I believe, is that developers and builders only look at up-front costs (which they are more responsible for) and not the long-term impact of tree removal (typically the burden of nearby residents — including those who may move into the new development).

Established trees and their canopy are, quite literally, a free stormwater retention device (one medium-sized tree can treat 1 inch of rain from 2,500 square feet of impervious surface — more than 1,500 gallons); free localized climate control (mature trees in suburban areas reduce their immediate temperatures by 4-6 degrees Fahrenheit); and, yes, they remove significant pollutants from the air such as carbon dioxide, sulfur and other particulate matter (notable given particulate matter is responsible for more than 100,000 deaths in the U.S. each year).

These benefits, again, are absolutely free and achieved by literally doing nothing but allowing as many mature trees to remain as possible. Developers can be creative (search “spite house”) and are capable of working within tree conservation limits. I ask Youngkin to consider these benefits and pass legislation to protect existing tree canopy.