They’ve struck again, the tree manglers hired by Con Edison to “trim” trees near overhead power lines. Trees are being mutilated and disfigured.
One large tree that I saw on 45th Avenue in Auburndale now has all of its branches only on one side of its trunk. It has been destabilized. During the next fierce storm, that tree is likely to keel over right onto a nearby house. The person living there has a big problem and she is aware of it.
Con Ed, in its usual arrogant way, claims that they have to do it this way. They act like the trees belong to them. Apparently they have never heard of careful and sensitive pruning that would protect the power lines while retaining the shape and health of the trees. Their supervisors and public relations people need to act on and correct this outrageous situation. Street trees belong to all of us and they must be taken care of properly.
Not only do the affected trees look ugly, but their survival is in jeopardy as well. Severe pruning opens up trees to disease and insect infestation. Property values are lowered as well. Our tree canopy is one of the reasons that our neighborhood is so desirable. When trees are lopsided or stressed in this way it makes a negative impact on curb appeal of any property.
Perhaps the ultimate solution is to place all of the power lines underground, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for safety reasons and the reduced chance of power failure due to storms year round.
Henry Euler
Bayside
