Letter to the Editor: I don't want a tree in my front yard

Photo by Pam Lane, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

Dear Editor:

Today we received a notice on our mailbox that a tree is to be planted in our front yard by TreePeople. Apparently the city of Downey has agreed to allow this group to plant trees on the city easement.

I realize the city has an easement on our property so that we unfortunately hae no choice but to allow this to happen.

We have chosen landscaping and hardscaping for the front of our property based on water needs and on what we are willing to do to care for it. We are not being given a choice as to if we want a tree or what kind of tree is to be planted. Our notice didn’t say when this is to occur.

Plus we have over and over again been encouraged to save water. We may have had a rainy winter but it is inevitable we will have more dry winters. And now we are to add trees that will need 15 gallons of water a week. Water that I will have to pay for, of course.

So in addition to the time I’m to spend caring for this tree, I will have to pay for the water used to support it. In a future drought, when the city asks us to save water and threatens to start fining households, will we get a break on this?

I called the City Council office and was told my councilperson is on vacation. I was referred to the Public Works Department. They could not tell me when the tree is to be planted.

I asked what would happen if our sprinkler system is damaged in the process of planting. The reply was, “They’ll take care of it.”

When I asked for elaboration of that point, the same phrase was repeated. I was told to call the number on the notification. I did call that number and left a message, as no one answered.

It sounds like the city agreed to this but doesn’t know any details other than trees will be planted.

We’re not talking about a sidewalk that would facilitate public safety. This is something that will need care. It’s going to grow big and need care. I am not willing to care for a tree that I don’t want and have no say about.

I also think we should have received a notice from our city first, with a number of someone at City Hall who could answer questions.

From what I have observed on my regular walks is that trees get planted on city easement property and grow too big for where they are located. They do not get regular trimming and roots stay shallow because they do not get regular deep watering, causing sidewalks and curbs to raise. The city deals with raised sidewalks by grinding down the sidewalk in an attempt to even the sidewalk.

I do think trees can add to the environment but this is the wrong way to go about it.

Suzanne Dodd
Downey