Resident urges Moraine to stop removal of mature street trees, calls for protective policy

A resident told the Moraine City Council on Sept. 11 that recent removals of mature street trees in a South Dixie Drive neighborhood threaten public health, stormwater protection and property values and urged the city to adopt policies to preserve older trees.

Alicia Hicks, who gave her address as 4107 South Dixie Drive, spoke during public comment about “the cutting down of the trees between the streets and the sidewalks” and said many trees in the neighborhood are older than the city. “They provide immense amount of shade, wildlife benefits, soil and stormwater protection, and beautiful scenery for those that live in that neighborhood,” Hicks said.

Hicks cited studies and national agencies — saying the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of Realtors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have linked mature tree canopy to reduced flooding, higher home sale prices and lower summertime temperatures — and argued those benefits matter for homes near industry and busy roads.

“Per the U.S. Forest Service, a single mature tree can gather thousands of gallons of rainwater, and that helps prevent flooding and reduces the strain on our storm drains,” Hicks said. She also said trees can filter fine particulates and that replacing a mature canopy will take decades.

Hicks asked the council to stop what she described as “destruction” and to consider selective trimming, responsible replanting and ordinances that recognize older trees as community assets. She said she is not opposed to removing hazardous or diseased trees, but urged preservation where possible.

Council member remarks acknowledged the presentation: Council member Witt said she had “got an education on trees tonight” and thanked Hicks for bringing the issue to the council’s attention.

No ordinance, motion or directive related to tree removal or a preservation policy was presented or adopted at the Sept. 11 meeting. The remarks occurred during the meeting’s public-comment period and were recorded for council consideration.

The city manager and other staff did not announce any immediate change in tree-management policy at the meeting; Hicks’s request was left as a public comment for the council to consider at a future time.