By Dan Jansenson Santa Monica
The rendering on page 13 (Oct. 4), provided by the city, is fundamentally deceptive. The image shows the intended gingko trees only as they will appear after 15 years of growth, and the shade cast by the ginkgos in the picture is actually cast by the ficus trees that were airbrushed out! In real life, fully grown ginkgos cast far less shade, and then only during the months when they have leaves.
The city wants to spend over $600,000 to yank out healthy, mature, shade-giving trees, move them down the street (and elsewhere), and replace them with small saplings that won't generate significant shade for 15 years — at best, and even then, for only half the year. Somebody please explain to me what minute shred of logic could possibly inform that decision.
City Manager Ewell said: “Wherever possible, we preserve trees that can be relocated.” I invite Mr. Ewell to carry out that promise by leaving the healthy trees in place, preserved and healthy. He (would then) preserve our shade, our trees, our environment and our health.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 5, 2007. Read the original PDF.