The Tree Debate
Recently, a friend of mine told me about the trees that are designated for demolition along South Oyster Bay Road. The removal of these 180+ trees, which is currently underway, spans the distance between Syosset and Bethpage. A debate surrounds this issue, with residents on one side and county officials on the other. Those in favor of the demotion state that the trees, which are at least 40 years old, have uprooted sidewalks along South Oyster Bay Road. This poses a serious safety concern for those who walk there. Those opposed have stated that trees lend a charm and beauty to the area; they have also argued that trees help the ecosystem, as well as offer shade from the heat. As anyone who has driven along the roadway knows, rush hour traffic can be hampered by the angle of the sun at that time.
I love trees. When we first moved here, I was delighted that the trees formed a beautiful canopy over the street. When autumn changed the leaves from brilliant green to muted golds and coppers, I would pop outside with my camera to capture the beauty of the season. As time has gone by, more trees have disappeared from our neighborhood. Trees no longer line our little section of suburbia; this makes walking in the warm weather rather uncomfortable, as there is no longer any shade to speak of.
Our home used to boast a rather large maple that stood at the front of our house like a sentry. Over time, the tree became diseased, but not before it had offered many benefits to our neighborhood. That tree helped to lower our energy costs; the house was always cool from its shade, and during the winter months, the sun warmed our abode with the rays through the barren branches. It also used to offer a home to birds, squirrels and other insects. The best (and worst) part about the tree was the fallen leaves; although it was a lot of work, my husband and I actually enjoyed the task of raking. Our daughter loved to jump in the piles that we made, which brought back some wonderful memories of my own past.
Trees benefit human life immensely. While we’re all concerned with reducing our carbon footprint, trees are our greatest aid in this task. Humans inhale oxygen and exhale CO2; trees take in CO2 and exhale oxygen. Trees can change 48 pounds of carbon yearly into enough oxygen to keep two people alive. They also reduce ozone levels by keeping temperatures milder and offering more breathable air. They also make beautiful additions to any suburban neighborhood; this is the reason why most people moved to our area in the first place — nature’s splendid beauty.
I’ve read that the county plans to remove these trees, effective immediately, because of the safety concerns regarding the broken sidewalks. The county has also promised that new trees with shallower root systems will be planted in place of those that are being removed. Shallow root systems mean less disruption of cement sidewalks, which means safer residents. While I am grateful that the trees will be planted next fall, I’m rather concerned about the wildlife that will be displaced by the removal of the majestic timbers that line South Oyster Bay Road.
Truly, it will be a sad day when those stately oaks and maples are removed. It will change the landscape forever; cement will have replaced the beauty that was once a canopy of greenery. But I keep the faith; one day, those small saplings promised will become a marvelous wood for our children to enjoy.
