Tree policies

I was heartened to hear of Virginia Beach’s initiative to plant 800 trees in Asheville Park to combat stormwater flooding. A more effective and cost efficient corollary would be to enact measures to protect and conserve the existing tree canopy, especially areas comprising mature, native tree species. In many neighborhoods, large trees are coming down at a staggering rate. These decades-old trees, which can absorb hundreds of gallons of water, along with other zoning restrictions are our first and oldest defense in combating flooding. In fact, this common sense solution is prevalent across many municipalities in the form of tree canopy conservation ordinances.

Virginia Beach could simply extend the permitting process already in place for construction projects to include the impact on trees. For example, a homeowner looking to remove a tree larger than 10 inches in diameter would pay a small fee and file an application with the city. A city arborist would evaluate the merits and approve or deny the application. In some instances, a homeowner might be required to replace the lost canopy area with new plantings. For new construction projects, builders would be required to maintain half of the existing canopy.

Many waterfront homes in the area already comply with similar regulations as part of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Passing a new ordinance and extending this rationale to the rest of the city will help combat stormwater flooding, prevent environmental degradation, and preserve the character of the area for future generations.

Will Yearick, Virginia Beach