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Carolina Curious: Why are large trees falling down along streets in Winston-Salem?

Experts say trees in urban environments, like those along Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem, face significant barriers to survival. APRIL LAISSLE/WFDD

Experts say trees in urban environments, like those along Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem, face significant barriers to survival. APRIL LAISSLE/WFDD

Every October, flecks of red, gold, and orange flicker in autumn sunlight in the leafy canopies above the streets of Winston-Salem. Recently though, a listener noticed breaks in certain canopies. She asked Carolina Curious: 

“Why have so many large trees fallen over this year in Winston-Salem, especially near Robinhood Road and Reynolda Road?”

WFDD’s April Laissle took a walk with a tree expert to find the answer.

The root of the problem

For Ron Stanley, “What’s your favorite tree?” is a tough question with a two-part answer.

“Oh, mercy,” he says. “Would have to say for a species, native tree, it's eastern hemlock. And my favorite individual is probably the ancient cypress tree that I got to give a hug.”

Stanley has dedicated his life to trees, first as a forest ranger and then as an arborist and landscaper. As we walk along the Reynolda Gardens trail to Reynolda Road, his love for them comes through in the word

April Laissle is a senior reporter and editor at WFDD. Her work has been featured on several national news programs and recognized by the Public Media Journalists Association and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Before joining WFDD in 2019, she worked at public radio stations in Ohio and California.

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