Call me an extremist, but I think there should be a law against cutting down trees. And not just because the sound of chain saws and tree removal trucks drive me crazy (I hate them), but because we need to value and respect the impact that trees have on the world.

As we struggle to get a grip on climate change and our human impact on the environment, trees standout as the easiest, cheapest and most aesthetically pleasing tool we have. They suck carbon out of the air, store it within themselves, and pump out oxygen. They provide shade, habitat for birds and other animals, and make the whole community look better.

I don’t have patience for people who have trees removed unless there’s an excellent reason.  

If a tree exists on a property before you purchase it, I believe that tree should be legally protected against removal and the whim of the property owner.  If you fear the risk of the backyard tree falling on your house, your option is to not buy that house. 

If you don’t like the dirt, mess and leaves some trees bring, you have the right to not purchase that property.

If you want sun on your property, don’t buy a house under the trees.

If you plant a tree on your property but then decide there’s a problem with it, the tree should be protected if it has grown to a certain size.

I know this may seem extreme, and I know there are many nuanced situations in which it might be good to remove a tree. That’s why there would need to be some sort of municipal board that would be tasked with approving the removal of them.

This could work very similar to the way zoning boards work. In most municipalities, you can’t just do whatever you want to your house, you have to apply to the zoning board to make sure you are compliant with the local zoning ordinance. I think trees should have their own ordinance, spelling out under which conditions trees can be removed or significantly altered. Many cities and towns across the country already have tree laws in place, but at least in my area, they seem to be nowhere near strict enough.

If a stream runs through your property, it’s illegal to destroy its water quality just because it exists on your land. The water in that stream is an important community resource.  I believe trees should be viewed the same way.

We need to recognize and embrace the importance of trees, and create laws that reflect their value.

For more RebEarth articles and a variety of other stories, visit Todd’s  Five O’Clock Shadow blog. Todd is also a staff writer at Wise & Shine Magazine.  For Todd’s musical activities and new releases visit www.toddfulginiti.com.