The Columbus Dispatch

Plan for the future, possible disease when selecting trees

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I like the idea of more trees in Columbus, but I hope the varieties of trees to be planted will be selected carefully. It would seemingly be a bad idea to plant mostly maples, for example, given the imminent invasion of the Asian longhorned beetle (Dispatch article from June 29, 2021 https://www. dispatch.com/article/20110627/ NEWS/306279774).

We also are threatened with other newly-introduced invasive pathogens causing sudden death to oaks and pines as well as other trees. A number of tree species, it seems, may go the way of the elms (Dutch elm disease) and the ash trees (emerald ash borer).

It can happen quickly. The first emerald ash borer to be found in Ohio showed up in 2003; we have now lost the vast majority of our ash trees.

I’m no arborist, and I’m not sure which species of trees are most likely to last, but it would be a pity for Columbus to invest in thousands of maples, only to have to pay to have them all removed a decade from now. I hope the planners are truly planning for the future!

Booth Muller, Sunbury

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