WTAE – WILKINSBURG, Pa. — A packed meeting in Wilkinsburg brought together residents from the borough, as well as neighbors, who are worried about the future of trees on the streets, and taking action.
It comes after Duquesne Light cut down trees in July, despite notices that crews would only prune them.
“The canopy and the trees in our neighborhood was the initial draw to the neighborhood,” said Emily Ventura of Pittsburgh.
Residents have since organized and created a petition, which they plan to present to Wilkinsburg Council. They want council to establish a tree management plan before more removals happen.
“We want them to develop a regular pruning schedule so people know when work is happening, that they have a chance to see, ‘OK, this is happening to my tree in front of my house,’” said Jaquet Kehm. “If they see that a big tree might come down, they should have a chance to appeal that. Bring in a second opinion.”
Representatives from Upstream Pittsburgh and Tree Pittsburgh, along with an arborist, explained why pruning is sometimes necessary to protect power lines and answered questions. Attendees said the information was helpful and said that the lack of communication in July remains their biggest concern.
“Some of the lines run directly through a tree canopy, and sometimes you have to prune aggressively with the tree, that it has to come down,” said State Rep. Abigail Salisbury. “But what people are asking is to be treated with dignity and respect. Duquesne Light told me that these homeowners approve the destruction of their trees. And I don’t think that’s what you heard here tonight.”
