| Author | Message | ||
     Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12348 Registered: 1-2003  |
The township planted a tree in front of my house early this morning, on the grassy strip between the sidewalk and the street. They didn't notify me or ask if that would please me. I read here on MOL that we can request these trees, so I think I ought to be able to request a lack of such a tree. I called Township Hall this morning and said so. The woman I spoke to said she'd leave a message with the supervisor to call me back. She also said that if everyone had my attitude, there would be no trees. That's true, but I don't think there is a danger of everyone having my attitude. She told me that I would not be responsible for the upkeep of the tree, which is a bit of a relief, but of course, I am responsible for the upkeep of the sidewalk. That's why I'm annoyed I wasn't even warned or consulted. So please weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of having a tree. I'm inclined to have them take it away, but I'm not fully decided yet. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2136 Registered: 7-2003 |
What type of tree? I would guess that it wouldn’t grow fast enough to damage the sidewalk while you still live there. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10553 Registered: 5-2001 |
Is the tree a replacement for one that was taken down by the Town? The town took a tree out in front of our house and gave us the option of having it replaced or not. We choose not to have it replaced because a neighbors maple tree provides needed shade, probably would have stunted a new tree and there is another town tree about thirty or forty feet down the street, also in front of our property. To be honest having to rake a few more leaves doesn't seem a good reason to not want the tree. | ||
| dave23 Citizen Username: Dave23 Post Number: 1323 Registered: 5-2001 |
I am ardently pro-tree. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12350 Registered: 1-2003 |
I don't know what kind of tree. It's taller than I am, and the lowest branch is above my head. But it's very young, as the trunk is less than two inches in diameter. Not wanting to rake or whatever may not be a good enough reason to you, but shouldn't it be my decision? Brett, your point about sidewalk damage coming later is probably true. Maybe the lack of communication bothers me more than the actual labor it will require. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10554 Registered: 5-2001 |
If Maplewood didn't have street trees it would be a much different community. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12352 Registered: 1-2003 |
Yes, bobk, that's true, but I don't think there's much danger of my attitude spreading. Do you? I do realize I am inconsistent, because I enjoy the trees and don't want to contribute to their upkeep. I can probably be convinced that I should keep the tree, but I haven't been yet. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2137 Registered: 7-2003 |
I would ask yourself how you would feel if a neighbor cut a tree down. Because in effect that is what you would be doing, getting rid of a tree. As for the lack of communication, I think it would add allot of complications to the DPW to contact owners, discuss the locations, times, etc. The land does belong to the city, and they should be able to plant a tree quickly, easily, and as cost effective as they can. | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 4321 Registered: 5-2001 |
The trees they put in are usually pretty nice. We have a pink-flowering cherry tree. The leaves from these are minimal. You'll get more than what they drop from your neighbors on a windy day. Think about the placement: half of them will fall right into the street anyway. | ||
| Morrisa da Silva Citizen Username: Mod Post Number: 359 Registered: 12-2003 |
Tom, The town shade tree department puts trees in to replace ones removed or to put new ones in on a street that may not have many trees. They don't as a rule ask anyone's permission. The best you get is if you happen to see them preparing to do the job you can ask what kind of a tree and perhaps have a choice of a few types. They were putting in a replacement where a huge old tree had been taken down and I asked them if the next tree could be a slow grower as it was right above a hedge of roses that honestly could use the sunlight. I really don't think you have a choice in the matter. I don't think they would pull it out just because you say so. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12355 Registered: 1-2003 |
If I have the option of requesting a tree, and I understand we all do, then I should have the option to request a lack of a tree, no? And the woman said that I do have that option. I don't see calling or writing to me is a big burden at all. In fact, just this morning, perhaps at the same time the town was planting the tree, a woman from the water company installed a new meter in our house. We got a letter a few days ago warning us, and she phoned us a few minutes before her arrival. The town can do the same. One nice thing about the tree is that it is placed where the sidewalk bends towards the walkway to the entrance to my house. I appreciate everyone's input! | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1765 Registered: 8-2002 |
Be thankful for the tree. It will look nice, make your home and neighborhood more attractive. Although I agree it would be a nice courtesy to be informed of work being done, in contrast to your water meter -- planting a tree shouldn't be disruptive. This weekend I was in northwest NJ -- at a camp with a beautiful Austrian pine forest. I was surprised to find out that it had been planted on once former farm land, by the CCC in the 1920's! Enjoy the tree. Pete | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 5721 Registered: 5-2001  |
Tom- Killing that tree just to be contrary is baaaad karma. Seriously. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12356 Registered: 1-2003 |
peteglider, best argument so far. I'm starting to soften up in my heart. But still, I guess I'm feeling argumentative. That's my problem. mem, I wouldn't be killing the tree, would I? I'd just be having it moved. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1260 Registered: 10-2002  |
Tom - I think you have every right not to want a tree there. Someday though, you will not be living there, so it's really only your house temporarily, while it will always be the town's responsibility to maintain the tree there no matter who is living there. So, it seems to me that the town has to keep up with what it considers its responsibility of having a tree there. But, I still can understand why you're perturbed and think you have every right to feel that way. | ||
| Jersey Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 127 Registered: 1-2006  |
WTF? Who plants stuff in the middle of winter? Is this horticulturally correct? | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4474 Registered: 5-2001  |
It's been so mild? Also, I would want to have a say on where exactly the tree would go. would not want it smack dab in front of my siteline from my front door. Somewhere closer to the property line would be best. | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 1874 Registered: 6-2002  |
Here are some more reasons to keep your tree: * Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. * In one year, an acre of trees can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700 miles. * Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars. * Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves. * The average tree in metropolitan area survives only about 8 years! * A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon storage for about 10 years. * Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers. * Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. * Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water as well as protecting aquifers and watersheds. * Trees provide protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail as well as reduce storm run-off and the possibility of flooding, * Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife. * Trees located along streets act as a glare and reflection control. * The death of one 70-year old tree would return over three tons of carbon to the atmosphere. Love your tree, Tom, it's your friend. http://www.treesaregood.com/funfacts/funfacts.aspx | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2917 Registered: 12-2004  |
I'm all for having all the trees we can get. The property does belong to the town and I guess they can do with it what they wish. While it would have been nice to notify you, I don't think it's necessary. If you're neighbor were to plant a tree on their property, they wouldn't be required to notify you either. And you get to enjoy it, without having to worry about it's upkeep. And IMHO, I seem to recall being struck by the lack of trees and glaring nakedness of that portion of the street where your house is. But that's just me. Thanks for posting all that great info on trees, CLK! | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8548 Registered: 4-1997  |
Plus, if it's removed, the Ents will hunt you down and kill you.  | ||
| dano Citizen Username: Dano Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2001 |
I wish Maplewood would plant Money Trees in front of all our houses!? It would certainly help me pay my taxes!!  | ||
| KRNL Citizen Username: Krnl Post Number: 22 Registered: 9-2005 |
In addition to CLK's list of environmental positives we derive from trees, trees also add economic value to your home and the community. I can never comprehend why when people move into their new homes they immediately cut down healthy mature, beautiful trees. | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 1877 Registered: 6-2002 |
We come, we come with roll of drum: ta-runda runda runda rom! We come, we come with horn of drum: ta-runda runda runda rom! To Reingold's House! Though Reingold's House be ringed and barred with doors of stone; Though Reingold's House be strong and hard, as cold as stone and bare as bone, We go, we go, we go to war, to hew the stone and break the door; For bole and bough are burning now, the furnace roars - we go to war! To land of gloom with tramp of doom, with roll of drum, we come, we come; To Reingold's House with doom we come! With doom we come, with doom we come! | ||
| mickey Citizen Username: Mickey Post Number: 393 Registered: 10-2001 |
You got a new, free tree. Be glad. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4477 Registered: 5-2001 |
dano, what? You don't have a money tree? | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 1540 Registered: 5-2001 |
The town should have to notify the home owner. Especially because the homeowner is ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the sidewalk. I guarantee that someday Tom's new tree will damage the sidewalk. Also, what if Tom had scheduled a contractor or landscaper to be at his house the same day? I think that anytime town employees will be on your property for any reason, the owner should be notified. Maplewood government has some double standards and the sidewalk issue is one of them. | ||
| oots Citizen Username: Oots Post Number: 361 Registered: 6-2001 |
keep the tree! oots | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2920 Registered: 12-2004 |
Seems logical to assume that by the time the tree is big enough to cause any real damage to Tom's sidewalk, his sidewalk will most likely be in need of repair anyway. And if he needs to fix it before such time as the tree is a problem, he can make accomodations for the tree when putting in a new sidewalk. | ||
| dano Citizen Username: Dano Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2001 |
ffof...it's more like a Bonsai! | ||
| mrmaplewood Citizen Username: Mrmaplewood Post Number: 292 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dump the tree. The town did that to my house some years ago and now the sidewalks need work because of it. The greedy people who planned this town arranged for there to be too little space for a reasonable tree to grow and spread its roots. Some planning! And oh, you won't be responsible to care for the tree, but if you don't, it won't get done. The town does exactly nothing to care for the trees until they need to be cut down. When the limbs jut out into the space where pedestrians need to walk, you will have to do the pruning. Yes they look good, but things don't work out like they should. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10567 Registered: 5-2001 |
"they paved paradise and put up a parking lot" | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10568 Registered: 5-2001 |
"they paved paradise and put up a parking lot" | ||
| blackcat Citizen Username: Blackcat Post Number: 485 Registered: 6-2001 |
Hey Tom, be grateful. I had to call every spring and fall for years for the town to replace the tree they took down. Our old tree used to be the safe haven for the birds from the neighborhood cats...and it kept my house in the shade. Now we burn up in the afternoon waiting for our tiny little tree to grow. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12360 Registered: 1-2003 |
OK, I think I'll keep it. Thanks, folks. I hope I'm not too late and they haven't slated it for removal already. I also have to convince my wife that I'm not annoyed. But she'll probably defer to whatever I want. I'm in charge of the front yard, and she's in charge of the back. | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1769 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tom, you missed a golden opportunity -- you could have said... "Honey, I planted a tree in your honor in the front yard! Happy Valentine's Day!" /P | ||
| Grrrrrrrrrrr Citizen Username: Oldsctls67 Post Number: 247 Registered: 11-2002 |
That's awfully Libertarian of you, Tom...lol! | ||
| Eponymous Citizen Username: Eponymous Post Number: 67 Registered: 6-2004 |
Who exactly at town hall should one ask for a tree? | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12371 Registered: 1-2003 |
Public Works. Maplewood Township is at 973-762-8120, and person who answered transferred me dutifully and graciously. | ||
| aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 701 Registered: 8-2001 |
Tom. You live in MAPLE-WOOD, NJ. Move to "Concrete-Stone" (a Dallas suburb) and you have a legit beef. | ||
| aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 702 Registered: 8-2001 |
Tom. You live in MAPLE-WOOD NJ (Maples and wood are trees and tree by-products FYI) Move to "Concrete-Stone" (a Dallas suburb) and you have a legit beef. |
