HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/26/2022 Item 5b, Parker (3)
Delgado, Adriana
From:Ben Parker <sloparker.ben@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday,
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Comments for Item 5b. Tree Committee agenda
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Although September's meeting was cancelled, I would like to register my comments for the next Tree Committee
agenda.
Comments for Tree Committee Agenda Item 5b. Bluebell Way Tree Removal
My name is Ben Parker. I am a resident of Poinsettia St. near French Park.
I am a Calif. Registered Forester and am retired from 35+ years with CAL FIRE. I have also served 16 years in
the past on the SLO City Tree Committee.
I am here to discuss the request for removal of four London plane trees that were planted and established at
the gateway of two HOA developments- Summer Hills and Santa Lucia Hills in the late 1980s. London plane
trees were planted as a theme tree throughout much of the two HOAs.
When properly established and pruned the London plane can become a stately street tree.
Hundreds of residents walk and drive past these four subject trees every day and the neighborhood enjoys
the many benefits of these trees.
A 2008 US Forest Service Urban Forest economics study in Portland established that a single specimen street
tree added $10,000 to the value of a house and added another $12,000 to the value of the neighborhood
within 150’ of the tree.
An additional study in Sacramento neighborhoods confirmed these benefits.
These subject trees have been causing minor sidewalk lifting which can be repaired by replacing a small
section of the residential sidewalk. The root intrusion can be effectively treated by root pruning and installing
a root barrier along the sidewalk.
I urge you to uphold the denial of the removal request, encourage the homeowner to coordinate with the
HOA with maintenance, and continue San Luis Obispo’s commitment to a viable urban forest.
Benjamin Parker
4423 Poinsettia St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
sloparker.ben@gmail.com
805-540-1901
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