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Jacksonville News – Letter to the editor: Saving historic oak tree is step in the right direction
Letter to the editor: Saving historic oak tree is step in the right direction

01-30-2008

We would like to thank the mayor of Jacksonville, Johnny Smith, and our city inspector, Mark Williams, for the interest and foresight they used in working diligently with Steve Landers, owner of Effino’s Italian Restaurant, to save the historical oak tree on the corner of Pelham Road and East Mountain Street across from the Jacksonville Post Office.

Landers, a conservationist himself, and his contractor, J.F. Morgan, graciously agreed to go through extra effort rearranging the pipe lines and other items in order to leave the oak tree standing. He realized the tree did not need to be cut, would enhance the beauty of the space and provide a much-needed shade for his customers.

This definitely is a step in the right direction for our city.

Hopefully, the same logic and reasoning will be used for the preservation of our trees in future building transactions.

If and when the corner lot next to the Jacksonville Post Office is converted into additional parking spaces for their customers, hopefully the big trees will be left to provide shade for their customers and serve as a buffer against the loud noises for the residents on the corner.

We also are grateful to the mayor and the Jacksonville City Council’s persistent endeavor to compose a new tree ordinance, which will set guidelines to be used for the maintenance and preservation of our historical and other beautiful trees.

We are aware that trees are a precious commodity. They not only add to the aesthetic beauty of our historical city, but also help to provide a cleaner atmosphere by “catching” airborne pollutants such as carbon dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and other carcinogens that are dangerous to our health.

We also need more trees to conserve energy, according to an article published by the Arbor Day Foundation, which stated that “trees planted on the east and west sides of our homes decrease our energy costs by 15 percent to 35 percent.”Also, “a windbreak can lower heating bills 10 percent to 20 percent.”

When Scott Beckett, an instructor in the learning services department at Jacksonville State University, did an analysis of the Wilsons’ trees, he calculated that “Barbara Wilson’s trees are worth around $399 per year in natural benefits such as energy, air quality, storm runoff prevention, carbon dioxide uptake and aesthetic value.” He also calculated that the three pecan trees in their front yard are worth approximately $18,000 in monetary value. So we know that trees definitely increase our property value.

Hopefully, the new tree ordinance will soon be written, adopted and implemented so our trees in Jacksonville can be protected and not butchered.

Barbara T. Wilson

Rufus Kinney

Jacksonville

 

Trimmers have massacred our beautiful trees

To call what the tree trimming company does for Alabama Power trimming is simply ridiculous.

Drive down Louise Drive in Jacksonville and turn on Davis to see the massacre left in its wake!

The gentleman with the chain saw walks around like he is auditioning for “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Of course most people are at work when this occurs. They rang my bell at 8 a.m. to tell me they cut down an ornamental plum that was six feet tall and full grown, and not near a power line.

They were startled when I answered and said it was too close to the power line. What a joke! It was 15 years old and not near a power line.

This lack of knowledge of trees, etc., and just cutting with abandon is not acceptable! I understand the problem with trees that grow near lines, but they also massacred a three-foot Crepe Myrtle across the street! Too close! Then dropped off a potted dogwood to calm the neighbors down.

Jacksonville officials need to ask for some input in these decisions. Please represent your constituents.

Margaret M. Long

Jacksonville

Stairs to nowhere,

where once was a home

fond memories live still

but the structure is long since gone.

12 steps reach to the sky

crawling vines climb toward the sun

grasses and wild roses

now claim this as a playground to run.

– Cathy Ann Abernathy

Weaver, Alabama

Previously Published: “Celebrate! Poets Speak Out — Spring 2004″