City Eyes Removal of Seven Street Trees

The Piedmont Park Commission will hold a public hearing on the recommended removal of seven liquidambar (sweetgum) trees on Monte and Mesa avenues at its  May 2 meeting.

The trees would be replaced by 24-inch-box-sized Chinese pistaches and "Autumn Blaze" maples, which are — like liquidambars — known for spectacular fall leaf color in mild climates such as Piedmont's. Work would also include repair of damaged sidewalks as needed.

The seven trees are at the top of a priority list prepared by James Clark of Hortscience Inc., a certified arborist hired by the city to survey more than 50 liquidambars along Monte and Mesa.

Another three liquidambars are in "moderate" need of replacement, and 18 should receive high priority for pruning, Clark said in his report to Mark Feldkamp, the City of Piedmont's parks and project manager.

Clark said the trees vary widely in age and condition but that, in general, liquidambars located beneath electrical lines were in worse condition than others. Many of these trees had been topped to maintain clearance under the lines, he noted.

Many of the trees have branches that have grown upward to compete with the central leader (main trunk), Clark said.

Trees recommended for removal are located at 15, 19 and 23 Monte Ave.; 33 and 109 Mesa Ave.; and 416 and 503 Park Way. (The trees with Park Way addresses are physically located on Monte or Mesa.)

More information, including Clark's report, is available at the City of Piedmont website.

The Park Commission meets Wednesday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, 120 Vista Avenue.