Earlier this month in Richmond, Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) signed a bill intended to prevent future stripped_bare suburbs. The bill, sponsored by Del. David L. Bulova (D_Fairfax), will require Northern Virginia developers to preserve some percentage of their parcels’ original trees. The bill takes effect July 1, but local jurisdictions can choose whether to follow it.

Developers often remove old trees and clear large tracts of land for manditory roads, gas lines and power cables. If saving old trees proves impossible, the developers would replant trees or pay to preserve them elsewhere.

Losing a large tree means the lost of a valuable sponge for storm water, a root system that prevents erosion, and a filter that removes carbon dioxide and the precursors of smog.

Neighborhoods with large trees are more appealing to potential home buyers and provide privacy among neighbors.

Source: WashingtonPost.com (March 9, 2008)

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