Last week, I was shocked and horrified to learn one of Chestnut Hill’s largest, most majestic trees came to an unnecessary early demise. I examined the remains of the great tree, looking for any sign of illness, only to find a healthy native sycamore. I then went to my computer to check Google Street View. As of May, the tree was lush and alive in all its splendor. Lastly, I checked Zillow, and — of course — the house sold in July of this year.

This is not the only example of new home owners cutting down large, healthy, native, Heritage trees shortly after moving in. I can’t understand why people would buy a house with 100+-year-old trees in the first place, if their desire is to immediately remove them all. Chestnut Hill is often referred to as Philadelphia’s garden district. On every survey, the canopy and greenspace show up as some of our most beloved assets.

While it’s certainly disrespectful to neighbors and completely tone deaf to the community they are moving into, I know enough to know that these sorts of people are going to do what they want to do, regardless of how their neighbors feel. It’s amazing how “progressive” some claim to be, unless it comes down to what they want to do with their property. Then, it’s 100% “Get off my lawn, this is ‘merica.”

I would like to appeal to the Community Association, Conservancy, Tree Tenders, concerned neighbors etc. Consider putting something in the “new resident” packet that speaks to the importance of our native canopy and/or partnering with local arborists that are aligned with the overall vision of Chestnut Hill as a “leafy enclave.” If nothing else, if you have new neighbors, there is nothing wrong with emphasizing the importance of our Heritage trees.

Tim Breslin

Chestnut Hill