Council seeks to spare trees

Arborists want the Monterey cypresses at the courthouse on H Street removed. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Council members directed City Manager Rod Butler to send a letter to the California Administrative Office of the Courts outlining the city’s desire to preserve “as many of the trees as possible,” as put it.

“Those trees represent our natural Eiffel tower-like landscape,” Councilman Charles Slert said. “We’re obliged to do everything we can to save them.”

The state recently had an arborist inspect the trees, who recommended that they be removed. An arborist hired by the city to give a second opinion came to the same conclusion that the trees could break or fall and be a safety hazard.

Slert acknowledged that the trees have been “abused and misused” over the years, which has taken a toll on their health.

But maybe the city and state can came to compromise, he said, and only remove certain trees that are too close together and have an arborist supervise the pruning and maintenance of the remaining trees.

However, the Monterey cypress trees are considered “landmark trees” under a city ordinance. By law, if the trees are removed they must be replaced, with the cost borne by the state.

Slert said the city was right to designate the Monterey cypress trees as landmark trees because of their “unique and incredible character” and coastal attributes. Plus, they have survived for many decades, he said.

All four council members present for the discussion Monday evening supported sending a letter. Councilwoman Donna Westfall left the meeting before the issue was discussed.

The council felt that the city should “at least make the request” that some or all of the trees be saved, Butler said.

The state is planning on removing the trees in the first half of November, he said, adding he plans to send the letter as soon as possible.

If the state still decides to move ahead with removal, the City Council can decide whether to replace them with more Monterey cypresses or with a different species. The Planning Commission has recommended that the council choose a species that is native to Northern California, Butler said.

If the trees do have to be replaced, Slert said it should be an appropriate species like a pine.