Frisko Freeze’s owner isn’t to blame. Here’s how to preserve Tacoma’s tree canopy | Opinion

Overall, I thought Matt Driscoll’s recent opinion piece in The News Tribune about the removal of a historic tree near Tacoma’s Frisko Freeze was well written.

However, I thought Driscoll and surrounding homeowners put all the blame on the owner of Frisko Freeze and the neighboring parcel for removing a tree that was dying and possibly a danger to the businesses as well as to people in the community.

The picture in the News Tribune confirms the tree was suffering from dry rot; look at the center of the stump.

The owner is being damned for removing the tree, but he took responsibility for addressing a serious risk. The tree had the potential to fall during a storm, etc. It was the right decision.

If the tree had toppled after an arborist examined it, the owner could have been held responsible if someone was injured, killed or maimed. Quite a few attorneys would argue that the owner of Frisko Freeze acted negligently in such a scenario, knowing the risk after the arborist’s inspection but choosing to do nothing.

I understand the owner’s concern over potential lawsuit that could possibly result in losing his business. The owner followed the rules set forth by the city of Tacoma for the tree’s removal of a tree.

I also realize Tacoma would like to keep or expand its tree canopy. Other articles in The News Tribune has have shed light on the city’s effort to expand its tree canopy near schools through a grant.

Instead of condemning the owner, thank him for a proactive approach by removing a potentially deadly tree. Maybe the city of Tacoma its residents — especially who live near Frisko Freeze and have voiced concerns over removal of a mature tree — could help with the expense of planting a tree with at least an 8-inch caliper or larger.

Large trees are expensive and sometimes difficult to plant based on their size. With the right equipment, however, mature trees can be relocated from one site to another using a tree spade.

My suggestions are somewhat outside the box. However, to save mature trees in Tacoma, the city and everyone must think outside the box by considering using the tree spade to relocate mature trees from one location to another.

Instead of cutting down during developments, relocate to a useful location where trees are wanted and needed.

Large trees take years to achieve maturity. Let’s think outside the box to solve Tacoma’s tree canopy issue.

John Maxwell is retired from the United States Air Force and a teaching career. He enjoys growing trees and helping in the community. He lives in Dupont.

This story was originally published April 16, 2024 at 5:00 AM.