Inspect trees before cutting them down

There is no doubt the storm damage to trees in Amherst is massive. Despite the immediate costs, there are two significant reasons why the Town of Amherst must make every effort to trim and preserve all salvageable trees. This may cost less than cutting trees down and hauling them away.

Amherst is known for its trees, particularly the mature growth in the older sections of town as well as the wooded areas of the less populated sections. Loss of more trees than is absolutely necessary will adversely impact our town's attractiveness, hence house sales.

Secondly, we need trees for our health and comfort. Photosynthesis is essential for our air quality; it will already be reduced by the tree loss we have sustained. Trees also provide sound buffers for traffic and help us keep cool during hot weather.

In a sad way, this is an opportunity to introduce a variety of native tree species to our area. We know a tree disease, such as Dutch elm, can devastate tree stock. Increasing the variety of trees we plant is a way to combat this eventuality. Native trees and large shrubs include: eastern hemlock, scarlet oak, black gum, butternut and shagbark hickories, black and paper birches, sugar and silver maples, dogwood, rhododendron maximum, and service berry among others.

To keep our town beautiful and to maintain healthy air quality, we must keep our trees. Some may appear "odd" for a while, but they will grow. Proper trimming will go a long way to save these necessary treasures.

Caroline Duax

Snyder