The following is a letter sent to City Hall from an independent arborist on Oct. 1, 2007.
Mr. Walt Warriner City of Santa Monica 2600 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 Dear Mr. Warriner, I am writing in regards to the Ficus Tree Removal and New Tree Planting project that is slated for 2nd and 4th streets, in Santa Monica, respectively.
I have had the opportunity to review the city’s outline of the project’s criteria for trees that are selected for removal. In my opinion, the city has done an appropriate and thorough job in determining trees that are deemed removal candidates. The criteria covered trees that had outgrown their space, trees that posed hazardous conditions to vehicles and pedestrians, and trees that are decayed due to trunk damage. I’m sure this decision to remove trees was not taken lightly.
These criteria for removals are highly regarded and recommended standards in the arboricultural industry. I commend the city for its thoughtful process and its desire to maintain a green canopy.
In the short-term, the tree removals may appear dramatic. However, I believe the new tree plantings will have the opportunity to mature and benefit the city for many years while not jeopardizing the cities aesthetic attraction as a neighborhood and travel destination.
Respectfully submitted, Lisa Smith ISA Certified Arborist #WE3782 American Society of Consulting Arborists, Member RCA Academy Graduate
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 4, 2007. Read the original PDF.