Letters: Readers have ideas for saving the trees from KU’s clear-cutting

Clear-cut fix

Upon reading the “scorched earth policy” article regarding Kentucky Utilities’ excessive tree cutting, I am confident there is a clear path forward to satisfy all parties. Replace the cut trees with groupings of attractive, hardy, and low-maintenance native shrubs, grasses, and perennial flowers. Tough native plants don’t need regular pruning, shaping, spraying, or (once established) watering. Their root systems reabsorb water runoff and filter water, soil, and air pollution. Unlike exotic plants brought in from other regions, native plants are far superior in their ecological value as they host insects, a critical layer of the food web. (A native oak hosts 500-plus insect species, while an exotic ginkgo only hosts one.) Mulch the beds with free wood chips from tree companies. Invite the Kentucky Native Plant Society and nurseries into the planning; they could later divide and propagate the plants for sale or other projects. A little more work is involved, but this solution satisfies the safety and maintenance concerns for KU, supports wildlife, reduces pollution and erosion, and provides residents with beautification and added value instead of butchered and decimated trees. Turn this problem into a solution: create beautiful natural assets for our city and set an example for others.

Erin Waggener, Alpharetta, Ga.

Bury lines

In January 1969 we moved to Lexington. I remember the realtor driving us on Lansdowne Drive and me saying and/or thinking, “I would never want to live on this ugly street. Why on earth do they put huge light poles right down the center of a nice residential street?” But never say never. I now live on Lansdowne Drive. I wish the poles were underground, but the barren landscape of 1969 has vastly improved with the addition of flowering fruit trees and other landscaping under the wires; way under the wires. These trees will probably never get much taller. They are lovely and take your eye away from the ugliness 30-plus feet above them. Why is the power company hellbent on returning this landscape to its original ugliness? It is totally unnecessary. The fruit trees are at their maximum height, or could be trimmed if necessary.

I wonder why these lines and other lines in disputed areas are not underground. It is an investment, but so is keeping arborists and tree removal/trimming on the payroll. Some areas such as Lansdowne Drive and Southpoint Drive should be underground; not just for beauty but also for safety. These lines are extremely dangerous if they come down, and this isn’t the boondocks but a highly populated residential area.

Judy Harvey, Lexington

Better pay

As I read about the emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic shortage in Eastern Kentucky, I came upon a comment from state Rep. Michael Meredith where he noted that we need to “look at” “(w)hatever can be a good, viable solution.” Maybe we can start with the legislation he’s consistently opposed: raising the minimum wage. If companies are paying EMTs $11.44 per hour, then “free market” solutions aren’t really cutting it, are they? It’s painful to watch our Republican legislators ignore the obvious answer to our employment shortages.

Aaron Kruse-Diehr, Lexington

Sidewalks needed

Recently, I’ve watched children putting their lives at risk in the dim morning light, walking at the edge of the road on their way to school in the rain. Here, there are no sidewalks, and drivers speed down the street as they race to work, coming within a few feet of the students. This scene is not out on our rural roads, but on the street that runs between Stonewall Elementary and Jessie Clark Middle schools and intersects with Clays Mill —Beth Lane. This street has no sidewalks on either side, despite the deep front yards of all the houses. I’ve written to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council asking them if we can lay sidewalks on this road, but I have yet to receive a response. I hope that our local government will act now to put sidewalks near our schools, not only to protect our students, but to encourage exercise and help our seniors age in place. Walkable neighborhoods are not only safer for our children but make everyone’s lives better.

Alice Wasielewski, Lexington