What were they thinking? The municipality of Delta recently planted hundreds of trees on either side of Nordel Way. The planting took weeks and needed numerous lengthy one lane closures on this busy arterial road.
To make matters worse, the closures came during a time of limited access to the Patullo Bridge, which was undergoing repairs, resulting in the diversion of many vehicles to the Alex Fraser Bridge via Nordel Way.
As in any planting, many trees died and were replaced, resulting in more closures. These young trees were then watered regularly, following which bags were placed around each tree to ensure a more consistent water supply.
Of course, interspersed with all this activity was the cutting of grass around each tree. Each time, one lane on Nordel Way was closed for extended periods.
Many of these trees are deciduous and will shed copious amounts of leaves in the fall as they grow larger. The fallen leaves will not only constitute a major slipping hazard for both vehicles and pedestrians but will clog storm sewer drains. Guess what? Delta will be closing lanes frequently.
Then there are the roots of these trees which will eventually raise and ruin the sidewalk and the barrier fences.
I love trees but one has to be wise with respect to where they are planted.
Allan Woodbury, via email