Plant as many trees as possible

Trees play such an important role in the environment, providing shade in the summer, shelter for small animals and a vital home for birds.  In this time of climate change emergency, trees are one of the most important ways to draw down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as well as helping to provide flood control and mitigate soil erosion.

We are fortunate in Newmarket to have many mature trees, and I do believe they must be protected from indiscriminate cutting.  On private property, there may be a valid reason to remove a tree that is encroaching on utility lines, or is simply too large for the property.  I once had to remove a spruce tree that had been planted by a previous owner beside a fence close to the back gate.  As you know, these trees grow very big very fast, and this one was blocking access to the property.  

I would like to see a bylaw that protects mature trees from being removed from private property without a valid reason, and those reasons need to be clearly set out.

I would also like to see an aggressive tree-planting program implemented for native trees to be planted in every available space, and ensuring that the trees are suited to the location.

Thank you