More than 30 public trees were removed or slated for removal in Pasadena this year due to disease, storm damage and poor health conditions, according to a city report.
The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee will review the removal list at its meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Most of the removals occurred at Brookside Golf Course, the report by the Department of Public Works said. Twelve white birch trees died there from root disturbance during landscaping work.
The trees suffered buried root crowns and suspected root rot, according to the report. Some showed signs of wood borer infestations.
Storm damage also took a toll. Two Chinese elm trees on Linda Vista Avenue required removal after a windstorm. Multiple scaffold failures left the trees beyond corrective pruning.
Three trees in Central Park also fell victim to extreme weather. A jacaranda and a camphor tree sustained windstorm damage. A Japanese flowering cherry died, possibly from vandalism.
Several oak trees throughout the city succumbed to disease and decay, the report showed. Dead live oaks on Lake Avenue showed splitting trunks and borer infections. Other oaks died from weed whacker damage and nutrient uptake problems.
Carob trees on Fair Oaks Avenue and Woodland Road developed internal decay. The trees had cavities, termite infestations and mechanical damage.
The city evaluates public trees through routine inspections by Public Works staff and resident requests. The Forestry Superintendent approves removals based on certified arborist evaluations.
City code requires posting removal notices at least 10 days in advance. The city notifies the advisory committee when three or more trees require removal in one block.
In September, the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee passed a Master Street Tree Plan amendment. It will be scrutinized by the full City Council before final approval.
Public comments are welcome on items not listed on the agenda. The meeting will be held in Room 220 at 233 W. Mountain St.
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