It’s my tree. Why can’t I cut it down?
Summary
Planet Money explores the tension between property rights and community interests through two stories: Sarah Bond, whose unsafe tree fell on her Portland home after the city denied removal, and Canton, Michigan, where a tree ordinance sparked a legal battle. The episode examines how local tree protection laws challenge traditional notions of ownership and whether such regulations constitute an unconstitutional taking of private property.
Topics discussed
Sarah Bond's nightmare tree and denied permit
Introduction: Property rights vs. city zoning laws
Canton, Michigan's tree protection ordinance history
Illegal clear-cutting sparks legal battle in Canton
Chance Weldon argues tree laws violate property rights
Court rules Canton's tree fees unconstitutional
Canton revises laws; impact on other cities
Sponsors: IBM, Schwab, E-Trade
The tree falls on Sarah Bond's house during storm
Sarah sues Portland; reflections on ownership
NPR Plus event and episode credits
Sponsors: Capella University, Thumbtack, Ye Gods
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