Surprisingly, it was shortly replaced with a pitiful starter sycamore that soon began showing evidence it was to suffer effects from the same conditions — lack of air circulation and sunlight caused by the density of nearby private trees.
It, too, was finally removed by the city when it agreed with that diagnosis.
Other neighbors experienced the city’s removal of a healthy tree instead of a nearby diseased tree from their right-of-way, all unannounced. Still others complained of fears that a very tall conifer riddled with beetle rot left in place would fall on power wires in the coming winter rains and winds.
Finally, crews did remove it, leaving an unsatisfactory cleanup behind.
Others saw a new sycamore installed in their right-of-way that they did not want there, and failed to notice that the city’s rubber bracing that secured the trunk was left in place.
The thriving tree’s bark grew over the strangling device until another neighbor asked staff to check on it and remove it.
Again, I adore and treasure trees, and appreciate it when both private and city trees are properly selected for their locations, and maintained for beauty, safety and health. Thousands of us appreciate the value the city places on the arboreal amenity that graces our thoroughfares with beauty and shade.
That said, maybe the forestry unit is simply understaffed, particularly with those having the ample expertise needed for this huge responsibility that includes good, clear communication and judgment about all tree-related matters with residents.
Let’s hope things improve for all!
JOANNE HEDGE
Glendale
Police, city officials have mishandled suit
