Is the goal that eventually you won't be able to see the lake from anywhere except the shoreline?

And there is a new program available. If you want to purchase a tree for $25 from the city, go to duluthmn.gov/donate and you will see the path to a form to fill out.

We have two "reLeaf" programs happening simultaneously ... one is trees going into Community Development Block Grant zones, and the other is this one where homeowners may buy a tree.

I went to a reLeaf planting party last Monday, and it was a really cool thing. A bunch of folks from the community planted in pouring rain. We had to quit when the lightning got scary, so we only got a few trees in, but it was remarkable how much they transformed the block. One of the volunteers said, "It looks like someone cares now."

I think Darrell is kidding, since there are lots of parts of Duluth where trees would block no one's view of the lake and would make neighborhoods better. 

Trees don't just increase property values (which they do; large trees can raise the value of a house by as much as 10%); they also have a lot of social benefits. Studies show that trees can reduce crime.  Hospital patients get better faster if their window looks out on trees. Trees decrease air pollution and reduce air conditioning and heating costs. 

And trees are good for business. People whose office windows look out on trees report higher job satisfaction. And people shop longer and spend more money in shopping districts that have trees. 

The city deserves kudos for seeking -- and getting -- the money to plant trees. They're the kind of long-term investment Duluth needs.