By John DerSarkisian Los Angeles
Regarding the removal of the ficus trees in Santa Monica, I must say that as a long time resident of this area and frequent visitor to Santa Monica, I am glad the ficus trees are being removed.
I admire the Treesavers passion but I believe it is misplaced. Just because something has been there a long time is not a reason to preserve it. The ficus is not rare nor endangered. It has a very broad and dense canopy that prevents all sunlight from passing down through it as well as completely obscuring anything behind it. It has an invasive and destructive root system that uplifts, cracks and destroys the sidewalk making them dangerous to walk on. How many liability claims have to be filed before the city/residents remove the problem? Ficus trees just do not belong on city sidewalks. I am sure the replacement trees will meet everyone’s expectations in time.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 23, 2008. Read the original PDF.