Park Operations Manager Brett Lamer told the Salina City Commission Monday afternoon that trees have many benefits for city residents and taxpayers.
Lamer said two projects have been removing trees on Ninth Street: along North Ninth Street, the North Salina Community Development Group partnered with Westar Energy to remove trees that endangered nearby power lines.
Along South Ninth Street, trees were removed that wouldn’t be able to remain healthy and stable following road maintenance, as well as trees with roots that damaged driveways, curbs, or the street.
During his presentation, Lamer said trees have many under-appreciated benefits.
Studies have found areas with large trees have lower rates of violent and property crimes, Lamer said, adding that people are more likely to be outside in shaded areas, which makes crime less likely.
Other studies show people drive faster on streets without trees, Lamer said, and that shaded streets have lower maintenance costs.
Salina resident Melanie Terrill said she was disappointed so many trees have been removed in recent years.
Lamer said the city of Salina tries to replace the trees it removes.
“Last year, even with this project, we replaced almost every single tree we removed,” he said. “Unfortunately, they weren’t in the same location.”
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)