Philadelphia is losing its natural beauty and health — over 6% of its urban tree canopy has vanished in just 10 years. Yet, unlike 90 of the 100 largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia has no restrictions on private homeowners cutting down healthy trees.
The city’s new Tree Plan focuses on planting, but it overlooks the root problem: the unchecked removal of mature trees. Other cities require significant fees or permits for tree removal, which fund arborist services and assist low-income homeowners with hazardous trees. It’s time for Philadelphia to adopt similar measures and …
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Philadelphia is losing its natural beauty and health — over 6% of its urban tree canopy has vanished in just 10 years. Yet, unlike 90 of the 100 largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia has no restrictions on private homeowners cutting down healthy trees.
The city’s new Tree Plan focuses on planting, but it overlooks the root problem: the unchecked removal of mature trees. Other cities require significant fees or permits for tree removal, which fund arborist services and assist low-income homeowners with hazardous trees. It’s time for Philadelphia to adopt similar measures and catch up with these efforts.
By publishing this story, your newspaper could lead the charge on one of Philadelphia’s most urgent environmental issues. You have the chance to spark a conversation that inspires action, positions your publication as a community leader, and connects deeply with readers who care about preserving our city’s health and natural beauty. Together, we can ensure a greener, healthier Philadelphia for generations to come. Contact me at protectphillytrees@gmail.com.
Joshua Hantman
Mt. Airy
