Trees We Hate (# 4 in a series)

Why does everyone in New Orleans hate trees?

Back in May I posted a few pictures of, what I had considered, the elegant... sensual, even... sight of a Chinese Tallow tree in bloom on Prytania Street. I didn't know what the tree was called and posted the pics in the hope that someone could help me identify it. So I was surprised to learn from the responses that the Chinese Tallow is an invasive species and largely considered a "nuisance tree" by those of us who know about such things. I say I was surprised to learn these dark things about my favorite tree but not necessarily disappointed since I've long been at peace with my general attraction to "nuisances" of all sorts.

It was this conversation which inspired me to once again open the floor for discussion of the Crepe Myrtles when they began to flower all over town in June and then again regarding the Magnolia when this story was published about a tree in Mid-City slated for removal. In each case, the People Of New Orleans (defined as people who read and responded in these threads) displayed an uncommon aptitude for arboreal antipathy. The myrtle, it was decided, is "ornamental", difficult to climb, and unnaturally indestructible... among other things. Meanwhile the Magnolia turns out to be a "waxy" "high-maintenance" and even "dirty" tree.

With such much nastiness directed toward the local foliage coming from the populous, it can't be any wonder that the city's governmental and quasi-governmental institutions feel empowered (perhaps mandated) to wage this sort of jihad against the area's most infamous species.

Evidently the City of New Orleans bears some responsibility for restoring Harrison Ave through City Park. Not only are they widening the road–to the detriment of the oaks–but they’ve specified that a path be cut, evidently for sidewalks. Even the construction crew was surprised at the technical specifications which called for them to bulldoze the path. Now the trees have had their roots severed and are destined to be compacted and be abused by suffocating additions, likely concrete.

Why is it that as we rebuild we are killing so much of what matters in this town? What the floods didn’t take, stupidity is.

This is actually the latest in a series of posts on Nolamotion concerning the City Park renovations. There are pictures of the carnage also. Check it out and help cheer your municipal army on to victory!

Update: More dispatches from the glorious war on trees available at Dying Oaks.

Upperdate: Just to be clear. If you'd like to take this opportunity to tell us what you hate about oak trees, please go right ahead.