Poleaxed

Looking over the edge of Carolyn's yard into the abyss.

Arbitrary clearcut

Seattle City Light cuts trees near power lines regardless of their size or distance from the lines.

• Cutting trees in April destroys bird nests during peak song bird nesting season.
• Cutting trees in a wide swath creates a gap in habitat shelter, a DMZ for urban wildlife.
• Cutting trees on hillsides creates soil erosion when missing leaves can't slow rainfall and tree roots won't absorb water.
• Cutting trees removes shade and raises the surrounding temperature.
• Cutting trees demoralizes people.