The matter is a dirty city tree vs. my husband health.
There is a city tree dropping fecal waste from aphids all over our patio. This fine matter is in the air so my husband who has absolutely no immune system can not enjoy his own property. He's undergoing palliative care and this is the only place he can relax outside. He was just released from the hospital last week because of a very bad lung infection. Because of his lack of immunity he is highly prone to infection from airborne bacteria and mold. I was told that the city considers the type of tree that over shadows out patio a “dirty tree” because it attracts aphids that drop fecal waste. My husband cannot use our outdoor space and is limited as to where he can walk downtown because of all the construction debris.
All the other “dirty trees” on our block have died and been replaced with other trees. This one is the only one left. At my request the city has cut it back a couple times in the last 6 years, but it is hardly enough to keep fecal matter from the air! I have pictures of the black sticky soot it drops on our patio, plants and furniture.
I have spoken to the Tree Department and they said the city is not likely to take down a "healthy" tree. I would argue that the tree is extremely unhealthy and actual life threatening to my husband. PLEASE TAKE IT DOWN!
I appreciate any help or advise you can give.
