By Alex Wood ’10, News Editor
During the first two weeks in April some 90 ash trees were cut down along Wooster Pike, Beech Street and Center Street in the heart of Mariemont. These huge trees have come to identify the history of Mariemont as much as Graeters, Mariemont Theatre, and The Exemplar. Their beauty has brought serenity and a sense of peacefulness to the town. Although there are still many beautiful trees that remain on the streets of Mariemont, many residents are sad to see these go.
The emerald ash borer, a beetle who finds its home in the ash tree, is estimated to have been the cause of the deaths of over 30 million trees nationwide. Closer to home, it cost the village of Mariemont $18,000 to remove the trees, a step Mayor DanPolicastro thought was necessary. “It’s a shame,” Policastro said. “But you can’t beat Mother Nature.”
Though it would have been possible to keep these trees alive, it would cost the same amount of $18,000 to keep them alive for only several years. The cost to keep the trees alive for an extended period would become unrealistic. “We wanted to get this done as soon as possible,” Policastro said, “because the best time to plant the new trees is in the spring, when it’s cool.”
Most MHS students and faculty are sad to see the trees go, but see their absence as a necessary measure. “They were infected, so it was essential to do,” says MHS junior Phil Simpson.
Many viewed them as an aesthetic pleasure that will be missed. “Before they planted new trees the areas where damage was done was ugly, but now it looks good,” says senior Jason Lonnemann.
Junior Mari Mileham agrees, “I think it’s a good thing because they planted new trees.”
Many were happily surprised by the fact that the village was so quick in planting a variety of new trees. “I’m happy they replaced them so quickly, this is the best choice for the future of the village,” says Mrs. Bell. “It might take some time, but it will be just as beautiful as it was before.”
