Residents of North Spaulding Avenue have complained to the City of West Hollywood about its plan to cut down carob trees on the block between Santa Monica Boulevard and Romaine Street. The city notified residents this morning that it will cut down the one-hundred-year-old trees tomorrow.
Lyndia Lowy, a resident of the block, said the trees are healthy. She said she and her neighbors suspect the trees are being removed because the city believes they will interfere with construction of a five-unit condominium building at 1040 Spaulding Ave. which has been approved to replace a three-bedroom house built in 1921. That property is owned by Stratus Urban 1040 Spaulding LLC and David Wood.
However Steve Campbell, the city’s manager of facilities and field services, said the trees are in poor shape.
“We’re seeing active decay,” Campbell said. “Fungus and mushrooms. The inside is essentially rotting.” Campbell said he also is concerned that some of the branches are starting to crack, which means they may possibly fall and damage a person or property. Campbell said the city had engaged an outside arborist to assess the health of the trees before deciding to remove them.
Carob trees, which essentially are flowering evergreens, are native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They produce pods that are sweet and used as an ingredient in cakes and cookies.
The two Carob trees will actually be examined by at least two independent arborist’s; one who is affiliated with the “West Hollywood Tree Preservation Society” ( see here: http://www.whtrees.org/news_flash.html ), and another one who is completely independent. I’ve also posted a link to a Flickr page which show six images of the two trees in question ( see here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37048125@N06/sets/72157637609714454 ).
The trees have gotten a reprieve and a second opinion – another independent arborist will examine them on Tuesday November 12, 2013
I agree with Chloe. I know the City pays for free Pap smears. What about the health of our woo-limbed friends?
In addition – isn’t the city supposed to “maintain” the trees? Does this not include disease prevention or care? They expect private individuals to care for their property. How is it that 100 year old trees have been overlooked for arboreal examinations to make sure they are heathy. In fact how has it been determined these trees are actually 100 years old without seeing the trunk rings. Or are we now using forensic tree investigation techniques? TreeNA? I am so puzzled. At whose prompting were the trees finally “diagnosed” for maladies? And why such very short notice? If the trees… Read more »
The notice is far too short and sends up very red flags. if the trees in question are so sick why are they just noticing it now. Baksheesh?
Stating that theresidents are “COMPLAINING” is a misinterpretation and somewhat inflammatory. The residents are CONCERNED that 100 year old trees are being destroyed.
What does the City have in mind as a replacement?