Residents of Hillside Terrace are raising concerns over the significant loss of tree cover in their neighborhood, citing a dramatic decline in the area’s once-vibrant tree canopy. A local resident expressed dismay during a recent government meeting, noting that nearly 80% of the trees along the street have been removed over the past 14 years, primarily due to homeowners installing pools and personal preferences against trees.

The resident highlighted the numerous benefits that trees provide, including air purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. They emphasized the importance of trees in enhancing the quality of life in the community, urging that homeowners should be required to notify neighbors before undertaking tree removal. Currently, residents often learn about tree removals only when they hear chainsaws, leaving them with no opportunity to voice their concerns or intervene.

A recent incident involving the clear-cutting of nine trees on a neighboring property, where only two were dead, has intensified these worries. The contractor involved in the removal expressed regret over taking down healthy trees, underscoring the growing tension between property rights and community environmental stewardship. The discussion reflects a broader concern about urban tree management and the need for policies that balance individual property decisions with community impact.