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FROM A READER

Published: July 7, 2008

Editor:

This is in response to a letter to the editor from a Dunedin resident published June 21.

The resident is concerned that the city of Dunedin is "ignoring its own law" by not replacing sabal palms that were removed by the city because in his words "Dunedin has a strict tree ordinance requiring property owners to replace trees that have been removed".

We appreciate the concern for wanting more trees planted and that the city should uphold its responsibility to comply with its own ordinances.

We agree that the city must set a standard in the community by complying with ordinances we enforce on others.

In this instance the city was in compliance with the ordinance requirements relating to tree replacement. The palms that were removed were Canary Island date palms not sabal palms.

The sabal palm is a native palm that is protected by the provisions of city code and the Canary Island palm is an exotic palm that is exempt from ordinance requirements. The removal of an exempt species is not regulated by the ordinance and does not require replacement. The palms were removed because they were growing into an overhead utility wire and were being scorched, which would likely lead to a power outage.

The city is conscious of the many benefits that trees provide. In 2007 we planted more than 400 new trees. Dunedin has qualified for the prestigious Tree City USA program for 19 consecutive years and we are proud of our tree planting and tree maintenance programs.

Incidentally, we have planted 21 new crape myrtle trees this week in the islands where the palms were removed. We are grateful that the resident wants new trees planted. It is concerned citizens like that which makes Dunedin such a great place to live.

Arthur Finn
Dunedin

The writer is the parks superintendent for the city of Dunedin.

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