Many have been scratching their heads and wondering out loud what the heck is going on with trees in the city? One week we hear about large swaths of greenery being taken down on public lands, the next week city officials are wringing their hands and pointing fingers in all directions looking to place blame.

There has even been talk of regulating what, when and where foliage – including trees – can and should be trimmed or removed from private property.

Of course, the erosive effects of overgrown trees on our city sidewalks has been a contentious matter concerning everyone for years. Some say that little to nothing has been done about it. Could it be that so much removal of trees is intended to serve as a remedy for this? It seems unlikely, as it would be a tremendously draconian measure on the part of the city.

What seems apparent is that an effort needs to be made to look at the big picture and act appropriately. The Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development’s Urban Forestry Division is tasked with just such a mission to develop and maintain our valued urban forest.

Let us hope that the recent discussions of the issue will provide them with the direction needed to flourish.