Editor, Gazette-Journal: The Gloucester volunteer Clean and Green Committee wanted to highlight some points from a letter about tree preservation that we presented to the Board of Supervisors in August. Trees do so much inexpensively that we typically overlook their benefits: they lead to higher property values, better health, lower utility costs through a reduction in peak summer temperatures, less flooding, water quality improvement. Three strategically placed trees on a lot can reduce energy bills by 50 percent. We generally accept that planting oysters improves water quality in an environmentally friendly, inexpensive way—trees also provide many natural, similar cost-effective benefits. The General Assembly this year passed HB 549 to allow localities the flexibility to increase tree canopy replacement. Gloucester supervisors should exercise this authority, revising the ordinance to allow consideration of tree replacement and preservation based on local criteria and the type of deve...