For now, tree planting program is on hold

“I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.”
By Joyce Kilmer

By Charles Sercombe
At one time, Hamtramck’s streets were shady, with a tree canopy covering that protected residents from the summer heat and sun.
But then on July 2, 1997, a tornado – or something very much like one – blew through town, destroying several buildings and knocking down about 500 huge trees.
Crews worked for days clearing out the debris.
Much of Hamtramck was suddenly bare.
So, volunteers and city officials went about replanting those trees.
For the past five years the city received yearly tree planting grants from DTE Energy.
City Manager Kathy Angerer said that for some reason, Hamtramck was passed over this year.
“But I’ll find a grant,” she said.
It’s a good guess the city has planted more than the 500 lost in 1997.
Still, there are several streets that are noticeably tree-less.
Surprisingly — or maybe not — some residents have a dislike for trees. The main reason seems to be that come fall, the leaves fall off and have to be raked up.
And there is the fact that birds like to hang out in trees, and then do what birds have to do, namely leave their business all over parked cars below.
But there are more advantages to planting trees than negatives.
The shade from trees help reduce the use of air conditioning, and trees also improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Best of all, trees are nice to look at, and actually add value to your house.
Aug. 9, 2019