The city’s tree-planting program (Metro, May 25) is truly impressive in the number and variety of trees, as well as the broad coverage of the city. It’s a refreshing change from the usual urban tree selection plan that overemphasizes a single variety of tree (historically elms and, now, honey locusts).
It seems that any undertaking always has critics. The argument that there are more pressing social needs can be used against just about any public project. It completely ignores the considerable intangible benefits and aesthetic considerations that trees bring and that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.
Chicago, including the parts that the tourist doesn’t see, is already one of the most beautiful cities in the country. This effort will ensure that it stays that way.
