SOUNDING BOARD -- Jan D. Vandersloot

Newport Beach City Council member Norma Glover is correct about the

need for root pruning of the ficus trees on Clay Street in Newport

Heights (“Newport Beach decides ficus must go,” May 30).

A certified arborist made recommendations for proper root and branch

pruning to minimize potential damage from the ficus tree roots in order

to preserve these stately trees and gorgeous canopy provided by them.

Pruning roots and root barriers are an accepted practice used in many

cities. Actually, according to the arborist, proper pruning of the

branches of a tree will slow down root growth.

In a related case with the ficus trees on Main Street on Balboa

Peninsula, another certified arborist firm recently made an analysis and

recommendations.

Those 25 ficus trees are designated City Landmark trees on its Special

Tree Preservation List. Those special ficus trees on Main Street are some

40 years old, with at least 30 more years of life left and possibly

lasting more than 100 years. They are hardly in a state of decline.

They have been tough and reliable performers, withstanding harsh

environmental conditions over the years. They also provide a beautiful

canopy that frames the ocean and provides a cooling atmosphere for

pedestrians, and are quoted as being gorgeous by at least one council

member.

The arborist outlines how those trees could be incorporated into the

redesign of the Balboa Peninsula area, again with root pruning, root

barriers and adequate tree wells around the base of the trees. It is

entirely practical to keep these landmark trees and minimize any

potential hardscape damage.

On the other hand, the proposed replacement trees will never achieve

the canopy, charm or culture achieved by the present trees. Instead, the

new trees will start out as little sticks, creating a stark, barren

landscape like East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. As the new trees

start growing -- if they make it in this salty and harsh environment --

their leafy branches will obscure signage and hide the business signs,

while the current canopy is above the signage, framing the businesses and

making their drab buildings more attractive. Gentlemen, turn on your air

conditioners because you’re going to lose the cooling effects of the

current ficus trees.

I believe the city of Newport Beach has to create a new paradigm with

regard to its tree policy. There has to be a mechanism for preventive

maintenance of its mature tree urban forest rather than waiting for

problems to develop and then spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in

tree-related claims or hardscape damage and lose its beautiful mature

trees.

The Clay Street ficus trees are a good place to start maintenance. The

Main Street ficus trees should be preserved as well. If there is ever any

meaning to the Special Tree Preservation List, this is it.

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Jan D. Vandersloot is a Newport Beach resident.