The city is scorching trees all over Chicago, and no one in a position to stop it is doing a damn thing. That’s what Madeline Kanner and other environmentalists believe, as they spread the word about a new machine that may be seriously wounding trees as it repaves the streets. “It takes a generation to grow a tree, but only a few minutes to destroy it,” says Kanner. “This resurfacing machine is part of a multiple environmental assault that’s destroying our trees.”
“I can assure you that this administration is very committed to planting trees,” says Ken Davis, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Environment. “We’re planting along side streets, arterial streets, and on vaulted sidewalks where in the past it was impossible to have trees.”
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But many environmentalists disparage such efforts, sarcastically calling Daley “Mayor Trees.” As they see it, once the trees are planted they’re rarely watered, and then they’re subjected to a series of assaults, including barrages of salt, that eventually kill them.
“The old method of street repaving wasn’t environmentally friendly, because it left you with the problem of recycling the old asphalt,” says Wolf. “This machine eliminates any need for getting rid of old asphalt, because it recycles as it goes. It’s quick and efficient.”
Kanner thought it would be useful to alert City Hall to the problem. “I thought they would appreciate a call from a concerned citizen. I wanted to say that a simple heat shield placed on the machine would solve the problem. I thought I might get a word of thanks.” Instead she got what most concerned citizens get when they approach city government–a door slammed in the face. Or, to update the metaphor, a wall of voice mail.
According to Kanner, Mell rhapsodized about the wonders of the scarification machine, while assuring her that the leaves would grow back. “He said I should look at the 4400 block of North Francisco–all the leaves had grown back there. I said that block has mature maples and that the trees along some of the other streets are younger, smaller, and more vulnerable to the machine’s heat. He responded by saying he was [guest] hosting a radio talk show the next day, and that if I wanted more fun with this issue I should give him a call and he’d put me on the air.”
When that inspector would arrive, no one knows for certain. Kanner still hasn’t heard from the inspector “Kevin in forestry” promised to send several weeks ago.
