HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-22; City Council; ; Dead Heritage Tree – Disposition of Tree Stump and Burl on Grand AvenueCA Review __AF__
Meeting Date: June 22, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
kyle.lancaster@carlsbadca.gov, 760-434-2941
Subject: Dead Heritage Tree – Disposition of Tree Stump and Burl on Grand
Avenue
District: 1
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution directing staff to remove the stump and burl of a dead heritage street tree
from the public right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue, immediately east of Jefferson
Street.
Executive Summary
In early 2019, staff identified a large heritage street tree on the south side of Grand Avenue,
immediately east of Jefferson Street, was in declining health. The tree was evaluated and found
to be suffering from insect infestations. After multiple attempts to treat the infestations, the
tree was determined to be dead and it was subsequently removed. Staff refrained from
removing the tree stump and burl after receiving a resident’s request “that citizen input be
solicited for the ‘highest and best use’ of what remains… to create an artistic and historic
bench.” The City Manager instructed staff to seek the City Council’s direction on the request.
Discussion
The large eucalyptus street tree (a Eucalyptus cladocalyx, or sugar gum, was designated as a
heritage tree as part of the 2019 Community Forest Management Plan (Exhibit 2), which was
adopted by the City Council on Sept. 24, 2019. The plan’s Chapter 6 - Heritage Tree Program
includes the Carlsbad Historic Village District Heritage Tree Report. That report, revised in June
2019, identified this tree as being in poor condition and declining vigor. The tree was re-
evaluated by certified arborists in July 2019 and found to be in an advanced state of decline,
suffering from a combination of lyrp psyllid and tortoise beetle infestations. In addition to
cultural management practices, a systemic insecticide was injected into the tree.
After monitoring the tree’s condition for months beyond the treatments, the tree was
determined to be dead by four certified arborists – two of whom were city staff, the third a
consulting arborist, and the fourth the author of the city’s Heritage Tree Reports. Because the
tree was dead, its removal was not subject to public noticing in advance of the removal, under
City Council Policy Statement No. 4 – Street Trees (Exhibit 2, Appendix C), and the Carlsbad
Municipal Code Chapter 11.12 – Trees and Shrubs (Exhibit 2, Appendix D). However, on Sept.
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 1 of 15
30, 2019, staff took the added step of publicly posting notices of the decision to remove the
tree for a 30-day appeal period. The appeal period expired on Oct. 29, 2019 and staff did not
receive any appeals through the City Clerk’s Office during that period.
Portions of two chapters and an appendix of the Community Forest Management Plan address
the disposition of dead city-owned trees: Chapter 6 - Heritage Tree Program, Chapter 8 -
Community Green Waste, Wood and Tree Recycling Program, and Appendix D -Carlsbad
Municipal Code Chapter 11.12, Trees and Shrubs. The pertinent excerpts are provided below:
•When a heritage tree reaches the point of needing to be removed out of safety or
practicality concerns, the tree may have an extended use and be further memorialized
through the Green Waste, Wood and Tree Recycling Program refer to Chapter 8]. By
capturing this valuable wood product, the tree may continue to serve a purpose beyond
the typically associated public benefits. It may become art in the form of carving, or
tables that others may admire.” (Chapter 6, Page 37)
•Any trees that are cut down, dismantled or harvested by the city are subject to be
potentially repurposed. (Chapter 8, Page 319)
•11.12.090. D. All tree removal, whether by city or applicant, shall include the removal of
the stump and the removal of all stump grinding chips and the backfilling of the hole
created by stump removal with a good quality top soil suitable for the replanting of a
replacement tree. (Appendix D, Page 383)
In this case, staff intended to – and subsequently did – arrange for the salvaged wood from the
tree to be delivered to local mills for woodworking projects. However, in early November 2019,
Don Christiansen asked staff about the possibility of repurposing the tree trunk as a historic
public art piece or bench. Staff advised Mr. Christiansen of the intent to deliver the salvaged
wood from the tree to local mills and offered to consult with the Library & Cultural Arts
Department staff about his inquiry regarding a public art piece or bench from the tree trunk.
After consulting with the Library & Cultural Arts Department staff, it was determined there
wasn’t an interest in repurposing the tree trunk, due in part to the limited visibility and
pedestrian activity of this location, which is outside of the concentrated business area of the
Village. However, staff were committed to considering this concept for other dead heritage
trees in the future. Staff then informed Mr. Christiansen of this determination.
Mr. Christiansen later provided public comment on the concept of repurposing this tree’s trunk
into a public art piece or bench at the November meetings of the Arts Commission, the Parks &
Recreation Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission. None of the three
Commissions took action on his request.
After the public comment periods at the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Historic
Preservation Commission meetings, staff spoke with Mr. Christiansen on this matter. In those
conversations and in a subsequent voicemail message, staff informed Mr. Christiansen that the
tree was scheduled to be removed to the stump, in accordance with standard procedures, and
that the city commissions had not acted to place this concept on their agendas, so staff
anticipated continuing according to that schedule and procedure.
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 2 of 15
The tree was removed to the stump on Nov. 22, 2019, and the stump itself was scheduled for
grinding and removal within the following two weeks. (See Exhibit 3 for photographs of the
stump and burl.) Three days later, Nov. 25, 2019, Mr. Christiansen left a voice message for staff,
expressing thanks for consideration of his request regarding this tree’s trunk and suggesting
similar consideration be given for other dead heritage trees in the future.
On Dec. 4, 2019, Mr. Christiansen sent an email to the City Council requesting that the tree’s
stump and burl not be removed, and “that citizen input be solicited for the ‘highest and best
use’ of what remains…to create an artistic and historic bench” (Exhibit 4). At that time, the City
Manager instructed staff to refrain from removing the stump and burl and to seek the City
Council’s direction on the request in the spring of 2020. However, due largely to the impacts
from the COVID-19 pandemic and staff’s need to focus on other priorities, the scheduling of this
item on the City Council’s agenda was deferred. During the deferral period, the property owner
advised staff of his desire for the stump and burl to be removed from the public right of way.
Options
The following options are provided for the City Council, with option one recommended by staff:
1.Remove the tree stump and burl from the public right of way.
Pros
•Acknowledges the procedure to grind the stump and burl is consistent with
previous street tree removals, under the Community Forest Management Plan,
Appendix D (Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 11.12 - Trees and Shrubs).
•Supports staff’s determination to not pursue this particular repurposing, due in
part to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location.
•Recognizes that the Arts Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission and
the Historic Preservation Commission did not act to consider an item on this
concept.
•Addresses the expressed desire of the property owner that the tree stump and
burl be removed from the public right of way.
Con
•Does not address the expressed desire of the resident that the tree stump and
burl be carved into a public bench.
2.Pursue citizen input, design and carving of the tree stump and burl into a public
bench.
Pros
•Increases public awareness of certain large heritage tree species in the Village
•Acknowledges the concept of heritage trees having an extended use and being
further memorialized, while continuing to serve a purpose beyond the typically
associated public benefits, under the Community Forest Management Plan,
Chapter 6 - Heritage Tree Program.
•Addresses the expressed desire of a resident that the tree stump and burl be
carved into a public bench.
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 3 of 15
Cons
•Creates an inconsistency with the standard for right of way furnishings in the Village
•Provides limited access for disabled persons (i.e., as called for under the Americans
with Disabilities Act)
•Requires a high level of maintenance to preserve the wood as a seating surface
•Lacks specific funding in the budget for the carving and maintenance of the stump
•Does not support staff’s determination to forego this particular repurposing, due in
part to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location
•Does not recognize the Arts Commission’s, the Parks & Recreation Commission’s and
the Historic Preservation Commission’s inaction to consider an item on this concept
•Does not meet the expressed desire of the property owner that the tree stump and
burl be removed from the public right of way
Fiscal Analysis
The costs associated with the removal of the tree stump and burl would be funded through the
Street Tree Maintenance District Operating Budget. Sufficient funds are available for this
expense.
Next Steps
Staff will act in accordance with the City Council’s direction regarding the tree stump and burl.
Environmental Evaluation
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301(h) – Existing Facilities, which cover the maintenance of existing
landscaping, including native growth, that involves negligible or no expansion of use.
Public Notification and Outreach
Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the state's Ralph M. Brown Act and it was
available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1.City Council resolution
2.2019 Community Forest Management Plan (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk)
3.Photographs of heritage tree’s stump and burl
4.Mr. Christiansen’s email dated Dec. 4, 2019
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 4 of 15
EXHIBIT 1
RESOLUTION NO. .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING STAFF TO REMOVE THE
STUMP AND BURL OF A DEAD HERITAGE STREET TREE FROM THE
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF GRAND AVENUE
IMMEDIATELY EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET
WHEREAS, in early 2019, staff identified a large Eucalyptus street tree (Eucalyptus cladocalyx)
on the south side of Grand Avenue, immediately east of Jefferson Street, was in declining health; and
WHEREAS, the subject street tree was designated as a heritage tree as part of 2019 Community
Forest Management Plan, which was adopted by the City Council on Sept. 24, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the plan’s Chapter 6 (Heritage Tree Program) includes the Carlsbad Historic Village
District Heritage Tree Report; and
WHEREAS, in that report, the tree was listed in poor condition and declining vigor; and
WHEREAS, in July 2019, the tree was re-evaluated by certified arborists and found to be in an
advanced state of decline, suffering from a combination of insect infestations; and
WHEREAS, after monitoring the tree’s condition for a few months after treatments, the tree
was subsequently determined to be dead; and
WHEREAS, the Community Forest Management Plan’s Chapter 8 – Community Green Waste,
Wood and Tree Recycling Program, includes a Tree Material Recycling Policy; and
WHEREAS, staff intended to (and subsequently did) arrange for the salvaged wood from this
tree to be delivered to local mills for woodworking projects; and
WHEREAS, in early November 2019, Mr. Don Christiansen asked staff about the possibility of
repurposing the tree trunk as a historic public art piece or bench; and
WHEREAS, staff advised Mr. Christiansen of the intent to deliver the salvaged wood from the
tree to local mills and then consulted with Library & Cultural Arts Department staff on his inquiry; and
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 5 of 15
WHEREAS, it was determined there wasn’t an interest in repurposing the tree trunk, due in part
to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of this location; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Christiansen later provided Public Comment on the concept of repurposing this
tree’s trunk into a public art piece or bench at the November meetings of the Arts Commission, the
Parks & Recreation Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, none of the three Commissions took action on his request; and
WHEREAS, on Nov. 22, 2019, the subject dead tree was removed to the stump, and the stump
itself was scheduled for grinding and removal within the following two weeks; and
WHEREAS, on Nov. 25, 2019, Mr. Christiansen left a voice message for staff expressing thanks
for consideration of his request regarding this tree’s trunk and suggesting similar consideration be
given for other dead heritage trees in the future; and
WHEREAS, on Dec. 4, 2019, Mr. Christiansen sent an email to the City Council requesting that
the tree’s stump and burl not be removed, and “that citizen input be solicited for the ‘highest and best
use’ of what remains…to create an artistic and historic bench;” and
WHEREAS, the City Manager instructed staff to refrain from removing the stump and burl and
to seek the City Council’s direction in the spring of 2020; and
WHEREAS, due largely to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and staff’s need to focus on
other priorities, the scheduling of this item on the City Council’s agenda was deferred; and
WHEREAS, during the deferral period, the property owner advised staff of his desire for the
stump and burl to be removed from the public right of way; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends removing the stump and burl from the public right of way; and
WHEREAS, the costs associated with the removal would be funded through the Street Tree
Maintenance District Operating Budget and sufficient funds are available to address this action; and
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 6 of 15
WHEREAS, the City Planner has considered the potential environmental effects of this project
and has been determined it to be exempt from environmental review per CEQA Guidelines Section
15301(h) - Existing Facilities, and that no exception to the exemption as set forth in CEQA Guidelines
section 15300.2 applies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the City Council directs staff to remove the stump/burl of a dead heritage street tree
from the public right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue, immediately east of
Jefferson Street.
3.That sufficient funds are available in the Street Tree Maintenance District Operating Budget
to address these actions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2021, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
_________________________
MATT HALL, Mayor
_________________________
BARBARA ENGLESON, City Clerk
(SEAL)
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 7 of 15
Exhibit 2
2019 Community Forest Management Plan
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 8 of 15
EXHIBIT 3
Street Tree Stump and Burl on Grand Avenue
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 9 of 15
Street Tree Stump and Burl on Grand Avenue
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 10 of 15
Street Tree Stump and Burl on Grand Avenue
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 11 of 15
1
Tim Selke
From:Don Christiansen <donaldchristiansen@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, December 4, 2019 6:40 PM
To:CARLSBAD COUNCIL INQUIRY CENTER; Matthew Hall; Council Internet Email; Manager
Internet Email; Jason Haber; Gary Barberio; Kyle Lancaster; TIm Selke; Attorney
Subject:Re: Carlsbad Public Records Request Center Correspondence Request ::
C001037-112519
Good Day!
Thank you for the courtesy of a response to my "Council Inquiry". Since the tree (and liability) have now been removed
and a good size stump and exceptional burl remain I would like to request that the stump and burl remain and
citizen input be solicited for the "highest and best use" of what remains. I think enough remains to create an artistic
AND historic bench. I'm sure other people may have other ideas.
The following are quotes from the City's website:
"The Forest Management Plan also urges the wood from heritage trees that cannot be saved to be offered for
woodworking, so wood salvaged from the old eucalyptus will be offered to a local wood mill and could perhaps find
new life as furniture or artwork."
"When a heritage tree cannot be saved, the plan recommends finding ways to preserve it in some way."
I understand that the above website quotes represent "standard protocol for the city". I also understand via my
involvement with Imagine Carlsbad and Envision Carlsbad that my above request is in line with Carlsbad's Community
Vision statement.
Consider this as my request to NOT remove the stump and burl, and place the subject of Dead Heritage Trees on the
City Council Agenda for further citizen input.
PLEASE confirm receipt of this letter.
All the best,
Don Christiansen
760-802-0552
On Tue, Nov 26, 2019 at 4:36 PM CARLSBAD COUNCIL INQUIRY CENTER <carlsbadca@mycusthelp.net> wrote:
--- Please respond above this line ---
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Exhibit 4
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 12 of 15
2
RE: Council Inquiry of November 25, 2019., Reference # C001037-112519.
Dear Don Christiansen,
The City of Carlsbad received a request from you on November 25, 2019. Your request mentioned:
"From: Don Christiansen <donaldchristiansen@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:18:11 PM
To: Matthew Hall <matt.hall@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Request for Stay of Execution--for a Heritage Tree
Thanks Matt!
The following email is what I sent to the City Managers office.
I did public comment last night at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting and received a voice mail at 8 AM
this morning advising that the tree was being taken down today. The last I heard the trunk was still standing.
All the best,
Don
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Don Christiansen <donaldchristiansen@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Nov 19, 2019 at 4:14 PM
Subject: Fwd: Request for Stay of Execution--for a Heritage Tree
To: Carlsbad City Manager <manager@carlsbadca.gov>, jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov <jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov>
Good Afternoon!
Years ago I served on the Carlsbad Historic Preservation Commission. We commissioned a "Heritage Tree Survey" to
document those trees of particular historic interest. The BIG eucalyptus trees in the Village were identified and
included in the survey.
One of those trees on the south side of Grand between Harding and Jefferson has died and is slated for removal,
perhaps this week?
Some of my fellow pro-active Carlsbad citizens and I feel that the tree has the potential to become a unique piece of
historic wood sculpture art. It has been identified as a "sugar gum" eucalyptus which is considered a high quality,
long lasting wood.
https://www.google.com/search?q=tree+trunk+sculptures+photos&oq=tree+trunk+scu&aqs=chrome.3.0j69i57j0l6.1
2735j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I have shared this issue via Public Comment with the most recent Arts, and Parks and Rec Commission meetings. I
plan on sharing this issue with the Historic Preservation Commission at their Thursday meeting.
I understand and appreciate that there are legitimate liability concerns with a dead tree. I feel simply removing the
overhead branches and leaving the tall vertical trunk would alleviate those concerns and "buy time" for citizen input
as to the highest and best use of the 5-6 foot diameter trunk (big enough to walk through). Leaving the tall trunk
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 13 of 15
3
with a sign on it inviting ideas ties in with my understanding of the Community Vision Statement.
Working through these commissions takes time, and the tree does not have time on its side. It is estimated there are
only 10-12 remaining "Big Eucs" in the Village, and they are all approaching the end of their life expectancy.
Thus, please consider this as my request to not remove the tree until the above commissions provide input, and to
place "Dead or Alive Heritage Trees" on the City Council Agenda for further citizen input.
Please confirm receipt.
All the best,
Don Christiansen
De-centralized Renewable Energy Advocate
760-802-
0552"</jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov></manager@carlsbadca.gov></donaldchristiansen@gmail.com></matt.hall@c
arlsbadca.gov></donaldchristiansen@gmail.com>
Subject: Request to delay the removal of a heritage tree on Grand Avenue
Inquiry: Years ago I served on the Carlsbad Historic Preservation Commission. We commissioned a "Heritage Tree
Survey" to document those trees of particular historic interest. The BIG eucalyptus trees in the Village were identified
and included in the survey.
One of those trees on the south side of Grand between Harding and Jefferson has died and is slated for removal,
perhaps this week?
Some of my fellow pro-active Carlsbad citizens and I feel that the tree has the potential to become a unique piece of
historic wood sculpture art. It has been identified as a "sugar gum" eucalyptus which is considered a high quality, long
lasting wood.
https://www.google.com/search?q=tree+trunk+sculptures+photos&oq=tree+trunk+scu&aqs=chrome.3.0j69i57j0l6.127
35j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I have shared this issue via Public Comment with the most recent Arts, and Parks and Rec Commission meetings. I plan
on sharing this issue with the Historic Preservation Commission at their Thursday meeting.
I understand and appreciate that there are legitimate liability concerns with a dead tree. I feel simply removing the
overhead branches and leaving the tall vertical trunk would alleviate those concerns and "buy time" for citizen input as
to the highest and best use of the 5-6 foot diameter trunk (big enough to walk through). Leaving the tall trunk with a
sign on it inviting ideas ties in with my understanding of the Community Vision Statement.
Working through these commissions takes time, and the tree does not have time on its side. It is estimated there are
only 10-12 remaining "Big Eucs" in the Village, and they are all approaching the end of their life expectancy.
Thus, please consider this as my request to not remove the tree until the above commissions provide input, and to
place "Dead or Alive Heritage Trees" on the City Council Agenda for further citizen input.
Please confirm receipt.
Issue: Can the trunk of the tree be spared to perhaps be made into a wooden art carving?
June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 14 of 15
4
Response: The tree and its trunk could not be saved. It was dead and, in the opinion of two city arborists, a consulting
tree expert and the arborist who first compiled the city's list of heritage trees, presented a risk to the public of falling
over, particularly given that windy storms were in the forecast.
Staff created a 30-day appeals period even though the city was not legally required to do so and posted a notice of that
appeals period on the tree. That appeals period expired without anyone filing an appeal of the arborists'
recommendation to remove the tree.
In keeping with the city's recently approved Forest Management Plan, two trees will be planted to replace the downed
tree. One will be planted at the same site as the tree on Grand or nearby. The exact site and type of tree have yet to be
determined.
The Forest Management Plan also urges the wood from heritage trees that cannot be saved to be offered for
woodworking, so wood salvaged from the old eucalyptus will be offered to a local wood mill and could perhaps find
new life as furniture or artwork.
Action Taken: City parks director arborist have spoken to the resident and explained why the tree was ordered
removed as it was. No additional action required.
Sincerely,
Hector Gomez
Deputy City Clerk
Community Services
To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Correspondence Center
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June 22, 2021 Item #9 Page 15 of 15
Mia De Marzo
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gary Nessim <garynessim@att.net>
Tuesday, June 22, 2021 11 :02 AM
City Clerk
City Council Meeting June 22 comments for two agenda items
Agenda item #8 Resuming in person meetings post Covid 19
Dear Councilmembers,
All Receive -A,enllil Item # g_
For the lnform.tier:i of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date tf 12-"Z-)U A ..Y2-cc ~
CM :#ACM ~CM (3) ~
Carlsbad should be leading the way to resume in person meetings and encouraging citizen participation and
hopefully improving council efficiency and communication with each other and citizens. Please return to
normal as rapidly as possible to lead the way and encourage participation.
Gary Nessim
2987 Highland Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760 519 5556
Agenda item #9 Dead Heritage Trees
Dear Councilmembers,
I requested some discussion of making use of our mature Heritage Trees, especially in Carlsbad Village,
·. and no one seems willing to discuss or negotiate without City Manager or City Council direction.
I am interfering with maintenance in removal of the body and grinding up before the viewing or the wake.
I suggest carving the balance of this particular, over 120 year old stump into a circular bench, which is
located on the same block as a public bus stop at a cost of about $3,000. Bumps would separate about 8
seats to make sleeping uncomfortable. A sign would indicate history and age and this bench can be
removed after 2-5 years if not performing well or it is deemed a nuisance.
Gary Nessim
2987 Highland Drive
. Carlsbad, CA 92008
760 519 5556
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1
Mia De Marzo
From: City Clerk
Subject: FW: ITEM 2: SR #0621-2 Dead Heritage Trees. (Agenda: 6/21/2021)
City Council Meeting (6-22-2021): Agenda Item #9 -Dead Heritage Tree
PLEASE REFER TO MY ATTACHED EMAIL SENT TO THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION YESTERDAY FOR THEIR MEETING.
MY LETTER WAS NOT READ PER THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING.
Thank you,
Mercedes Martin
On Mon, Jun 21, 2021 at 3:51 PM Mercedes Martin <musicmerce@gmail.com> wrote:
Good Afternoon,
PLEASE READ MY LETTER INTO THE RECORD AT THE MEETING . THANK YOU .
As a longtime Carlsbad resident, I am concerned about the loss of the "Village Feel" that seems to be occurring with every new
construction project in the Village area.
Part of the feel of the Village is the existence of Carlsbad's Heritage Trees. Unfortunately, trees do die and the one in question
died and was cut down in late 2019. The remaining stump of the large eucalyptus tree is large enough to create art or a
wonderful bench. Eucalyptus wood is quite hard and weathers well; therefore, with some attention to sealing periodically, the
wood should last for many years.
In my travels around the country, I have seen many examples of creative, artistic uses of the remains of trees. Taller remains
make fabulous sculpting material. In this case, the height of the stump/burl is about 3 feet high. It could easily be sculpted into
a safe, unique and beautiful bench. There are a number of artists in the area that work with wood and could envision
something practical and beautiful to honor the heritage tree and help keep the uniqueness of the Village intact.
I suggest that the Parks and Recreation Commission solicit artists and crafts persons to create a vision for a "one-of-a-kind"
bench carved into the stump where it is located. Alternatively, I suggest that the Parks and Recreation Commission solicit
. artists and crafts persons to create a vision for a "one-of-a-kind" bench carved from the stump, and then locate it nearer to the
Village core. I also suggest that the Parks and Recreation Commission PLAN, in advance, for the future sculpting of other
Heritage Trees as they die so that they can be made into works of art.
I object to grinding the stump to smithereens. I object to selling the remains ofthe stump to buy different wood to make a
, bench. The remains of this Heritage Tree, and future Heritage Trees should be used to ADD to the beauty and uniqueness of the
Village.
Commissioners, thank you for your service to the City of Carlsbad.
Respectfully,
Mercedes Martin
3715 Longview Dr., Carlsbad
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1
Dead Heritage Trees -
Stump and Burl on Grand Avenue
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
June 22, 2021
Recommended Action
•Adopt a resolution directing staff to remove the stump
and burl of a dead heritage street tree from the public
right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue,
immediately east of Jefferson Street
Background
•In July 2019, a Eucalyptus heritage street tree on Grand
Avenue was determined to be in advanced decline
•On September 24, 2019, the City Council adopted the
Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP)
–Chapter 6 of plan contains the Heritage Tree Program
Background
•This tree was treated for insects over several months
•On Sept. 30, 2019, the tree was determined to be dead
•Staff posted 30-day notices regarding the tree’s removal
–No appeals on the decision to remove the tree were received
Tree in Decline
Community Forest Management Plan
•Portions of two chapters and an appendix of CFMP
address the disposition of dead city-owned trees:
–Chapter 6 -Heritage Tree Program
–Chapter 8 -Community Green Waste, Wood and Tree Recycling
–Appendix D -Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 11.12 –Trees…
Community Forest Management Plan
•Chapter 6, Page 37
–When a heritage tree reaches the point of needing to be
removed out of safety or practicality concerns, the tree may
have an extended use and be further memorialized through the
Green Waste, Wood and Tree Recycling Program [Chapter 8]…
Community Forest Management Plan
•Chapter 6, Page 37 (continued)
–…By capturing this valuable wood product, the tree may
continue to serve a purpose beyond the typically associated
public benefits. It may become art in the form of carving, or
tables that others may admire.
Community Forest Management Plan
•Chapter 8, Page 319
–Any trees that are cut down, dismantled or harvested by the
city are subject to be potentially repurposed.
Community Forest Management Plan
•Appendix A, Page 383 (CMC)
–11.12.090. D. All tree removal, whether by city or applicant,
shall include the removal of the stump and the removal of all
stump grinding chips and the backfilling of the hole created by
stump removal with a good quality top soil suitable for the
replanting of a replacement tree.
Actions Related to this Tree
•In this case, staff intended to –and subsequently did –
arrange for the salvaged wood from the tree to be
delivered to local mills for woodworking projects
–Don Christiansen asked about the possibility of repurposing
the tree trunk as a historic public art piece or bench
Actions Related to Tree
•Staff advised him of the intent to deliver wood salvaged
from the tree to local mills and offered to consult with
the Library & Cultural Arts Department staff on inquiry
–Wasn’t an interest in repurposing the tree trunk, due in part
to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of this location
Actions Related to this Tree
•Mr. Christiansen later provided public comment on the
concept of repurposing this tree’s trunk into a public art
piece or bench at the November 2019 meetings of the
Arts Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission
and the Historic Preservation Commission
–None of the three Commissions took action on this concept
Actions Related to this Tree
•On Nov. 22, 2019, the tree was removed to the stump,
and the stump itself was scheduled for grinding and
removal within the following two weeks
–On Nov. 25, 2019, Mr. Christiansen left a message for staff,
expressing thanks for consideration of his request and
suggesting similar consideration for other dead heritage trees
Tree’s Stump and Burl
•On Dec. 4, 2019, Mr. Christiansen sent an email to the
City Council requesting that the tree’s stump and burl
not be removed, and “that citizen input be solicited for
the ‘highest and best use’ of what remains…to create an
artistic and historic bench”
–City Manager instructed staff to refrain from the removal
Tree’s Stump and Burl
Tree’s Stump and Burl
Tree’s Stump and Burl
Option 1
•Remove tree stump and burl from the public right of way
•Pros
–Acknowledges the procedure to grind the stump and burl is
consistent with previous street tree removals, CFMP Append. D
Option 1
•Pros (Continued)
–Supports staff’s determination to not pursue this particular
repurposing, due in part to limited visibility and ped activity
–Recognizes the three Commissions did not act to consider item
•Staff took item to Parks & Recreation Commission yesterday [6-0 vote]
–Addresses the expressed desire of the property owner
Option 1
•Con
–Doesn’t address the expressed desire of a resident for a bench
Option 2
•Pursue citizen input, design and carving of the tree
stump and burl into a public bench
•Pros
–Increases public awareness of certain large heritage tree
species in the Village
Option 2
•Pros (Continued)
–Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having an extended
use and being further memorialized, while continuing to serve
purpose beyond typically associated public benefits, CFMP, C. 6
–Addresses the expressed desire of a resident for a bench
Option 2
•Cons
–Creates an inconsistency with the standard for the city’s right
of way furnishings in the Village
–Provides limited access for disabled persons [companion pad]
–Requires a high level of maintenance to preserve the wood
Option 2
•Cons (Continued)
–Lacks specific funding in budget for carving and maintenance
–Doesn’t support staff’s determination to not pursue this
repurposing, due in part to limited visibility and ped activity
–Doesn’t recognize the three Commissions didn’t act to consider
–Doesn’t address the expressed desire of the property owner
Recommendation and Comment
•Mr. Christiansen’s comment to staff’s recommendation:
–Thank you for the straight forward response. I continue to see
the stump as a low cost starting point to display historic
functional art. The more “the Village” is torn down and
replaced with multi story buildings the more important it is to
keep some reminders of the way things were. [6/11/21 email]
Recommended Action
•Adopt a resolution directing staff to remove the stump
and burl of a dead heritage street tree from the public
right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue,
immediately east of Jefferson Street
Comments & Questions