Dear Editor:
Treasure Those Monumental Trees, July 8 Mailbox laments the disappearance of large conifers on the North Shore. On the contrary, this is a good thing.
The federal government publication “Native Trees of Canada” states that our local evergreens at maturity can reach a height of 165 feet (50 metres). Every standing tree will eventually succumb to old age, disease or blow down. At 165 feet, the potential area of destruction is a circle of 21,302.5 square feet (1,979 sq. m).
I have measured the growth rates of local (domesticated) conifers compared with that of the trees in a closed canopy forest cover. They are as follows: Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock, 16 times as fast; Western Red Cedar, 25 times as fast.
We should use caution when allowing our local conifers to grow beyond 100 feet (30 m) tall. This is to invite disaster at a future date. Those who can recall typhoon Freda in 1962 will agree that major damage can occur.
James Thomson
West Vancouver
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