Something is shady about this tree survey

Treewatch is concerned about what they call a "death sentence" for 11 trees on Commodore Plaza, slated for removal as part of the BID's sidewalk improvement plan. They are filing an appeal with the HEP Board (Historical & Environmental Preservation Board).

The appeal most likely will be in September, since it is too late for the July appeal and it is believed that the HEP board does not meet in August.

TreeWatch is in the process of incorporating as an organization. They are looking for "a competent arborist that is not on the BID's payroll -- someone who is not a consultant to or may be a consultant to the City, to review each tree and the reasons cited for removal so that they can prepare a position of their own." The City and BID's paid Horticultural Consultant, Lisa Hammer, provided a report in October 2010, whose position is that these trees are sick/dangerous and need to be removed.

So far, almost two years later, the trees are greener, stronger and healthier than ever, and we have had some wild weather this past year, which did not affect a single branch on these so-called "sick and dangerous" trees.

If you read the reports (I have links below), one section calls a Bottle Brush tree outdated, which is making it grounds for removal. Other suggestions say that Lisa is not sure of the condition of the tree. Well, almost two years later, they are healthy and thriving. That's their conditions.

One tree is said to have "root suckers in planter." Say what? Another is prone to breakage, two years later, there is no breakage.

Imagine if every city in every country decided to go from tree to tree to assess them. Would any trees be around today or would they all be relocated or removed due to not being perfect. As we have stated before, being imperfect is the very nature of what trees are about.

Leave the trees alone on Commodore Plaza and the rest of the Grove for that matter. Redo the sidewalks without harming the old, shady, beautiful trees.

Have you seen the replacements on SW 27 Avenue in the center of the new median? This is what the replacement trees will look like -- a fraction of what is there now.

Some Links:

TreeWatch Petition to Save Our Trees

Commodore Plaza Tree Survey done in 2010

Commodore Plaza Tree removal diagram