One Noteworthy 7 October 2010 Forest and Beach Commission Agenda Item

UPDATE II:
Five Monterey Cypress trees approved for planting along Scenic Road by Forest and Beach Commissioners, as follows:

Tree #1: 20’ south of 8th Ave. steps to beach. 35’ west of Scenic Rd.
Spoke to property owner directly across the street from this location and he was supportive of planting a new tree next to the large old cypress. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #2: 10’ north of vehicle ramp to beach, between 8th & 9th Aves.
Same owner as above was in favor of a tree at this location. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location. This is a location of a large cypress that was removed in 2004-05 and not immediately replaced.

Tree #3: 20’ south of 9th Ave. crossing, along Scenic pathway.
No direct contact. This is a dead cypress and it should be removed and replaced.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #5: Approximately 80’ south of 10th Ave. crossing, in planter area between Scenic Rd. and path. No direct contact, but both properties directly across from this site wrote letters in support of planting.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #9: Between 13th & Santa Lucia Aves., on the south side of the point at 13th Ave.
Contracted one resident at this location; concerned abut maintenance of existing trees and the city managing its future maintenance obligations.
Recommend planting at this location. A tree at this location will provide additional visual interest to the site but not wall off significant views of Carmel Beach.
(Source: Commission OKs five trees for Scenic Road, MARY BROWNFIELD, October 1, 2010)

UPDATE I: Of the eight Monterey cypress trees recommended by City Forester Mike Branson to be planted along Scenic Road, the Forest and Beach Commission voted on each tree and approved the planting of five Monterey cypress trees, denied the planting of two Monterey cypress trees and took no action on one Monterey cypress tree, according to Margi Perotti, Administrative Coordinator.

ABSTRACT: One noteworthy 7 October 2010 Forest and Beach Commission Agenda Item, namely provide direction of a proposal from the City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Road pathway between 8th Aveue and Martin Way, is presented. The MEMORANDUM from City Forester Mike Branson is transcribed. City Forester Mike Branson recommended planting Monterey Cypress Trees #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #7, #8, #9 at designated locations and holding off planting Trees #6 and #10 at designated locations.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Regular Meeting – 1:30 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers
East side Monte Verde St. between Ocean & 7th Avenues
Carmel, California

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
COMMISSION MEMBERS: JOE FORD, CHAIRPERSON
LESLIE KADIS
VICTORIA LYNCH
TODD HORNIK
TOM LEVERONE

V. APPLICATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
IF YOU CHALLENGE THE NATURE OF THE PROPOSED ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION, OR PRIOR TO DELIBERATION OF THE ITEMS ON THE TOUR OF INSPECTION/PUBLIC HEARING.

1. Consideration and provide direction of a proposal from the City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Rd. pathway between 8th Ave. and Martin Way. The applicant/owner is the City of Carmel.

MEMORANDUM

TO: Joe Ford, Chairperson
Members of the Forest and Beach Commission

FROM: Mike Branson, City Forester

DATE: 29 September 2010

SUBJECT: Review and provide direction on a proposal by the city of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Road pathway.

The City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest are proposing to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Road Pathway between 8th Avenue and Martin Way in an effort to replace removed and dead trees and to enhance areas that currently have no trees or only old mature trees growing.

Prior to the meetings where this proposal was agenized numerous emails and letters, both pro and con, were received and considered by the commission. After discussion during the 3 June 2010 meeting, staff was asked to try to meet with property owners in the immediate vicinity of the proposed new trees and look at the particulars of each site and work for some compromise solution.

I met with or spoke to several property owners in the immediate vicinity of the proposed planting sites; although the majority of the homes are unoccupied or are vacation rentals.

Some of the questions and comments I received are:
Is the city going to plant this many trees every year?
Ten trees at once are too many.
Why plant where there are no trees and never have been?
It will be directly in my view.
Will the city be able to maintain the new trees if it isn’t doing a good job with the existing trees?

Other observations:
Sense of history, visions and perceptions relate to times they are in their homes or since the homes were purchases.
There is a need to replace trees now to have trees in the future and have different life stages.
Several persons like the older trees but object to planting new trees – a bit of a conflict.

The selection of each tree location was done to minimize direct view impacts to the homes along Scenic Road. The city has endeavored to prune other young trees in this area to promote good branch structure and progressively lift the canopy to promote upward growth to avoid the feeling of a green wall along the pathway. It is obvious that these trees are capable of growing to 30-60+ feet tall at maturity and view impacts to homes on San Antonio may be impacted to a certain degree as the years go on. Not planting any new trees will eventually lead to a landscape that may have unhindered ocean views but is devoid of Carmel’s forest character that was established and promoted by the city founders.

This is the staff evaluation and recommendations for each location.

Tree #1: 20’ south of 8th Avenue, steps to beach. 35’ west of Scenic Road
Spoke to property owner directly across the street from this location and he was supportive of planting a new tree next to the large old cypress. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #2: 10’ north of vehicle ramp to beach, between 8th & 9th Avenues
Same owner as above was in favor of a tree at this location. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location. This is a location of a large cypress that was removed in 2004-05 and not immediately replaced.

Tree #3: 20’ south of 9th Avenue crossing, along Scenic pathway.
No direct contact. This is a dead cypress and it should be removed and replaced.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #4: Between 9th & 10th Avenues, 20’ north of north 10th Avenue stairs to beach.
Spoke to property owner across the street. They were not in favor of planting next to the old cypress tree at this location. Other neighbors are absentee owners (one home is for sale).
Recommend planting at this location. This old cypress is located between tow properties and should be replaced when removal is eventually required; a new tree planted here will hopefully have a good head start and it will be mostly hidden from view by the large girth of the current tree.

Tree #5: Approximately 80’ south of 10th Avenue crossing, in planter area between Scenic Road and path.
No direct contact, but both properties owners directly across from this site wrote letters in support of planting.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #6: Approximately 160’ south of 11th Avenue, in planter area between Scenic Road and patio.
Contact with new property owner on San Antonio Avenue. She is not in favor of a new tree at this site. There is a young tree doing well at the south end of the same planter area.
Recommend holding off on this site. This was the location of a single tree that was removed about 7 years ago. Since the other tree is now growing well, staff will endeavor to promote its growth and structure as the replacement for the old tree. The existing tree is also located more in between two properties.

Tree #7: Between 12th & 13th Avenues, approximately 200’ north of 13th Avenue, 15’ west of pathway.
Contacted several residents in this area concerned about view obstruction. Placement of the tree between two properties and down slope lessened concerns but objections remained.
Recommend planting at this location. While there are no trees currently in this location, one tree planted on the slope will provide some visual interest to the site but not be a large visual obstruction with proper maintenance to foster good growth and development.

Tree #8: Between 12th & 13th Avenues, approximately 60’ north of 13th Avenue, 10’ west of pathway.
Contacted three neighbors in this location who were not opposed to this specific tree, but planting plan in general. One resident would like to see some pruning of the existing trees in this area to assure the city has a commitment to the long term maintenance of new trees and old trees.
Recommend planting at this location. There was a tree planted here several years ago that was sprayed with an undetermined substance that killed the tree. This will replace that lost tree.

Tree #9: Between 13th & Santa Lucia Avenues, on the south side of the point at 13th Avenue
Contracted one resident at this location; concerned about maintenance of existing trees and the city managing its future maintenance obligations.
Recommend planting at this location. A tree at this location will provide additional visual interest to the site but not wall off significant views of Carmel Beach.

Tree #10: Between Santa Lucia Avenue and city limit, approximately 75’ south of Santa Lucia Avenue
No contacts in this area. There is a new tree just south of the pathway fork to the public restrooms.
Recommend holding off on planting at this location. This location is in or very close to the area of the ADA access for the proposed permanent public restroom construction at Santa Lucia Avenue. It may be premature to plant this site and then have to remove or relocate a new tree. There is a site further to the south in a planter east of the pathway where there had been a cypress tree growing since the pathway was built. The tree was damaged by a vehicle several years ago. The FOCF has planted several trees in this location which have died from unknown reasons (possible poisoning) and I suggest another attempt to replant this site.

City's Reforestation Program: One Tree at a Time

ABSTRACT: Photographs depicting the planting process of one of the Monterey Pine seedlings planted today by our city’s most recently hired part-time tree planter and waterer, Shandra, are shown. Steve Brooks of Friends of Carmel Forest assembles the stakes and enclosures and makes the laminated strips "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY,” while Shandra obtains the seedlings from Carmel Middle School or Rana Creek Nursery and plants and waters the seedlings in public rights-of-way locations determined by City Forester Mike Branson.

Shandra planting Monterey Pine Seedling
S/s Seventh Av. between Forest Rd. & Guadalupe St.

Planted Monterey Pine Seedling

Shandra securing Stake & Attached Enclosure

Shandra affixing laminated strip, "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY,” to Stake

View of laminated strip, "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY"

Planted Monterey Pine Seedling with Stake & Enclosure
S/s Seventh Av. between Forest Rd. & Guadalupe St.

View of City’s Non-Potable Water Truck (capacity 500 gallons)

This afternoon, Shandra, our City’s part-time tree planter and waterer planted about five trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea’s public rights-of-way. One of the Monterey Pine seedlings was planted on the south side of Seventh Avenue between Forest Road and Guadalupe Street; the planting process was photographed. Shandra was recently hired as a part-time tree waterer on or about February 2, 2009; she joins Kimberly, the other part-time tree waterer. Since that time, Shandra has planted approximately 30 trees, including Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress and a Canary Pine in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Steve Brooks of Friends of Carmel Forest assembles the stakes and enclosures and makes the laminated strips "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY,” while Shandra obtains the seedlings from Carmel Middle School or Rana Creek Nursery and plants and waters the seedlings in locations throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea determined by City Forester Mike Branson.

NOTE: Special thanks to Shandra for taking the time during her planting and watering schedule to provide information about our city's current tree reforestation efforts and her job as part-time tree planter and waterer.

A More Resident-Friendly Notice Needed to Encourage a Forestry Partnership Between the City and Carmel Residents

ABSTRACT: The City planted a Monterey Pine seedling near a Monterey Pine tree stump in the pubic right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue between Lincoln St. and Dolores St. Affixed to a wooden stake is a laminated strip with the Seal of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and statements. A COMMENT is made regarding a successful reforestation program.

Monterey Pine Seedling
Location: S/s Second Av. between Lincoln St. & Dolores St.

Monterey Pine Seedling (right) and Monterey Pine Tree Stump (left)
Location: S/s Second Av. between Lincoln St. & Dolores St.

As depicted in the digital photos above, the City planted a Monterey Pine seedling near a Monterey Pine tree stump in the pubic right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue between Lincoln St. and Dolores St. Affixed to a wooden stake is a laminated strip with the Seal of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and statements, as follows:

THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY

You may be cited under Municipal Code, Chapter 12.28 if you remove, prune or damage this tree. If you question this tree’s location or health, contact the City Forester at 620-2070. DO NOT take action of your own !

COMMENT:
• Evidence around Carmel-by-the Sea that the City is planting seedlings is encouraging. However, for a tree reforestation effort to be successful, the City must be proactive and endeavor to form a partnership with Carmel residents based on education, particularly the environmental, social, economic and aesthetic benefits of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “signature” forest. To that end, a more resident-friendly notice affixed to a wooden stake next to a planted seedling would read, as follows:

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is committed to preserving and enhancing our “signature” forest of Monterey Pine, Coast Live Oak and Monterey Cypress. This pitch canker resistant pine seedling is planted in the public right-of-way in your neighborhood as part of the City’s ongoing Reforestation Program. For more information on our Reforestation Program and how you can help, please contact the City Forest at 620-2070.

Moreover, wherever the City Forester approves the planting of trees in the city’s public right-of-ways, City Staff Members should contact nearby residents and explain to them the locations of newly planted trees, reasons for planting the trees and encourage them to assist the city as good stewards of our forest and trees.

ADDENDUM:
Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code
Chapter 12.28
TREES AND SHRUBS*

12.28.060 Permit for Cutting Trees and Shrubs on Public Property.
A. Any person desiring to remove or prune any portion of a tree or shrub, except genista, growing in or upon any public street, way, park, or place within the City, or any person desiring to cut any wood, foliage, or roots from any tree on private property when more than one-half of the basal cross-sectional area of such tree is on City property, shall apply therefor to the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach on forms provided by her/him. There shall be a fee for this permit process as established from time to time by resolution of the City Council. If, in the opinion of the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach, the tree or trees should be removed because of disease, infestation, or clear and present danger to persons or property, she/he shall cause the tree or trees to be removed. In all other cases, the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach shall:
1. Place the application on an agenda of the Forest and Beach Commission, which shall act as provided for in Chapter 2.32 CMC; and

2. Notify the applicant of the time and date of the meeting at which the application shall be considered; and

3. Give notice of the action of the Forest and Beach Commission to the applicant.

B. Any permit granted under this chapter is nontransferable and shall expire one year from date of issuance. The Director of Forest, Parks and Beach or Forest and Beach Commission may condition a permit on replacement trees being planted at a place, of a species and of a size designated by the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach or Forest and Beach Commission. The person requesting the permit may also be required to pay the cost of obtaining and planting the replacement trees.

C. In exceptional circumstances in which it would cause substantial loss or inconvenience to delay removal until the Forest and Beach Commission’s next meeting, the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach may approve removal providing such approval unquestionably conforms to the policy and the practice of the Forest and Beach Commission. The Director of Forest, Parks and Beach will report her/his action at the next meeting of the Forest and Beach Commission. (Ord. 95-3 § 1, 1995; Ord. 81-4 § 1, 1981; Ord. 75-10 § 1, 1975; Ord. 257 C.S. § 1, 1972; Ord. 214 C.S. § 1, 1970; Code 1975 § 1231).

12.28.185 Violation – Penalty for CMC 12.28.170, 12.28.172, 12.28.180 and 12.28.210.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of CMC 12.28.170, 12.28.172, 12.28.180 or 12.28.210. A violation of any of the provisions or failure to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of such sections shall constitute an infraction. Any person convicted of an infraction under the provisions of such sections shall be punishable by fine only as follows: Upon a first conviction, by a fine not exceeding $250.00, and for a second conviction or any subsequent conviction within a period of one year, by a fine not exceeding $500.00.

B. Cutting, removing, or trimming of trees on public property without a permit shall be a misdemeanor.

C. In addition to the penalties provided for herein, any violation of such sections may be addressed by civil action. (Ord. 95-3 § 1, 1995; Ord. 88-13 § 4, 1988).

Benefits of Pervious Concrete Pavement & Permeable Pavers

ABSTRACT: In Fiscal Year 2007/08, the City expended $21,727.15 for pervious concrete and permeable pavers as part of the “Forest Study Implementation Project.” The total revised budgeted amount for the “Forest Study Implementation Project” was $50,000.00. Photos of the installed pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers are shown. Information about pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers is presented. COMMENTS are made with regard to the dual purpose benefit of pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers; the cumulative surface area covered by the pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers; the monetary amount expended relative to the total budgeted amount for the “Forest Study Implementation Project;” and a future plan to implement fully the recommendations of the "Forest Study." REFERENCES are presented.

Pervious Concrete Pavement
Along Lincoln St., east side, south of Ocean Av.

Close-Up of Pervious Concrete Pavement
Lincoln St. & Ocean Av., S.E. Corner

Permeable Pavers
E/s Lincoln St., between 5th Av. & 6th Av., mid-block next to "landmark" Eucalyptus Tree

Close-Up of Permeable Pavers
E/s Lincoln St., between 5th Av. & 6th Av.

INFORMATION ABOUT PERVIOUS CONCRETE PAVEMENT & PERMEABLE PAVERS
Pervious concrete pavement

Pervious concrete pavement is a unique cement-based product whose porous structure permits a free passage of water through the pavement into the soil without compromising the pavement’s durability or integrity. This concrete also goes by other names including “permeable” and “enhanced porosity.”

As a generic material, all have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a storm water pollution prevention (SWPP) Best Management Practice device.
Pervious Concrete is a zero-slump, no-fines, open-graded material consisting of Portland cement, coarse aggregate, admixtures, and water. The combination of these materials will produce a product that will allow water to pass through it. The void structure is normally between 18-to 25%. Compressive strength designs are in the range of 3000 to 4000 psi.

What Are Permeable Pavers?
Permeable Pavers are a paving alternative to more traditional types of hardscape flooring materials, where water is allowed to filtrate through the surface to the underlying soils. Traditional pavers do not allow much water to infiltrate particularly if they are mortared in place, water would normally hit the surface and then flow down to the nearest drainage channel, and become stormwater runoff.
If we use Permeable Pavers we will be preserving the quality of our water, and also increasing the quantity of good quality water. Stormwater brings with it pollutants, chemicals, fertilizers, sediment and oils, destroying the quality of water flowing into the catchment areas. Permeable pavers permit rain water to be absorbed by the ground underneath, while still managing to provide a stable enough surface for vehicles.

The Advantages of Using Permeable Pavers
Increase in water quality
Increase in quantity of quality water
Reduce installation costs of drainage system
Reduces stormwater runoff
Reduces flooding
Reduces erosion caused by flooding
Preserves our stream beds and river banks

THE BENEFITS OF PERMEABLE PAVERS
Environmental Benefits
Permeable Pavers can help preserve our environment and the most precious resource of all, water. We can’t live without water, and what permeable pavers do is help protect the quality of our water supplies. They reduce the amount of stormwater runoff entering our natural waterways and carrying with it contaminants and pollutants. So, the water is allowed to naturally drain into the surface through the voids in the permeable pavers. This promotes the infiltration of rainwater and also helps to recharge the groundwater.

Another environmental benefit is that applying Permeable Pavers means less stormwater runoff, which means that our streams and river beds are less likely to flood as often. This also means that there will be a reduction in the rate of the erosion of river banks and stream beds.

Economical Benefits
There is a lot of money saved when using Permeable Pavers, particularly in the installation and construction phases. Contractors and builders will save money on drainage systems and retention systems. Installing permeable pavers means that you are installing a self drainage system at the same time. You can also save on expensive compliance regulations. Not only will the contractors and builders save but so will their customers.

So, there is money saved on actual parts and systems, but there is also money saved on time taken to complete installation. Because a Permeable paving system kills two birds with one stone, installation time is significantly reduced.

COMMENTS:
• Pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers are “a storm water pollution prevention (SWPP) Best Management Practice device” and beneficial for trees in the commercial district, hence a dual purpose benefit. However, the expenditure of nearly one half the total budget for the "Forest Study Implementation Project" in fiscal year 2007/08 expended on pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers covering approximately 200 linear feet or less than one block face cumulatively is questioned as to whether that is the best expenditure of finite, limited funds dedicated to the implementation of the Forest Study.

•Going forward, given the demonstrated environmental benefits to pervious concrete pavement and permeable pavers, it would be wise for the City to consider the installation of permeable pavement surfaces throughout the commercial district, installed in phases over time, and a vastly increased budget overall for the "Forest Study Implementation Project" to include other items directly related to trees ex. the purchase, planting, watering and nurturing of trees, the hiring of a certified arborist to complete a comprehensive inventory of public and private trees, et cetera.

REFERENCES:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
May 2008 Check Register
(Includes checks dated 4/25-4/29/08)

115329 4/29/08 JOE BRUNO CONSTRUCTION $ 2,820.00
PERMEABLE PAVERS LINCOLN & 5TH (FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION)

Carmel-by-the-Sea
June 2008 Check Register
115605 6/10/08 S&J CARRERA CONSTRUCTION $ 18,907.15
PERVIOUS CONCRETE INSTALLATION AT LINCOLN & OCEAN (FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION PROJ)

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CALIFORNIA
FISCAL YEARS
2008/09 THROUGH 2010/11

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
Funds are budgeted to provide for planning and construction of major capital improvements. The capital projects, submitted by departmental staff and their respective commissions or boards, are selected through an in-depth evaluation prioritization process and then reviewed and approved by the City’s Planning Commission

Revised 07/08
$ 50,000 01-89639 Forest Study Implementation

Revised 08/09
01-89639 Forest Study Implementation $ 20,000

Elzéard Bouffier’s Generosity of Spirit: An Inspiration to All Individuals Who Plant Trees

The Carmel-by-the-Sea WATCHDOG! highly recommends reading the short story "The Man Who Planted Trees" (1953) by Jean Giono and/or viewing the short film “The Man Who Planted Trees” (1987) by Frédéric Back, Winner of the Academy Award for Animated Short Film.

Short Animated Film:
THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES (1987)
(L'HOMME QUI PLANTAIT DES ARBRES)
Narrated by Christopher Plummer
Duration: 30 minutes 07 seconds

Short Story:
"The Man Who Planted Trees" (1987) By Jean Giono
Pages: 8

About the Author:
Jean Giono later wrote an American admirer of the tale that his purpose in creating Bouffier "was to make people love the tree, or more precisely, to make them love planting trees."

Credit:
Upon the recommendation of Greg D’Ambrosio, former City Forester of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Greg D'Ambrosio worked for our city for thirty-three years, including twelve years as city forester, responsible for managing the city's forestry, parks and beach programs, and twenty-three years serving in a wide range of administrative leadership roles.

PART II: Why it is Important to Hire a City Approved Tree Service: A Case Study

ABSTRACT: PART II presents the actual CASE STUDY of the “illegal tree pruning of a Monterey cypress located on the west side of Vizcaino Ave. three homes south of Mountain View Ave.” LITERATURE ON TREE TOPPING, included selected excerpts and hyperlinks to more information about tree topping, is presented.

Topped Cypress Tree (Original Tree approximately 8’ taller in Height)
Location: Public Right-of-Way, Vizcaino 3 S.W. Mountain View Avenue
Owners of Residence: Robert & Hong Hai Dubroff

CASE STUDY:
On Saturday, May 17, 2008, the Cypress tree in the public right-of-way at Vizcaino 3 S.W. Mountain View Av. was topped, pruned and thinned by Miguel Escobedo Landscape Service of Seaside, CA. Apparently, Miguel Escobedo does not have a current City of Carmel-by-the-Sea business license for tree services. Moreover, Escobedo failed to file an application for a permit consistent with Carmel Municipal Code 17.48.060, Permit Applications, according to the City.

LITERATURE ON TOPPING OF TREES:
What is Tree Topping?
Tree topping is the drastic removal, or cutting back, of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds which subject the tree to disease and decay. Topping causes immediate injury to the tree and ultimately results in early failure or death of the tree.

Other names for this malpractice include stubbing, heading, heading-back, stubbing-off, tipping hatracking, topping off, dehorning, lopping, or roundover.

In short, topping - by any name - is the worst thing to do to the health of a tree.

Truth: Topping immediately decreases the health of a tree and sends it on a downward spiral.

Reasons:
1. Decay starts when a tree is topped. Even strongly angled cuts never close completely.
2. Sunscald, the effect of prolonged bright sun heating a tree’s trunk after it has been topped, kills tissue just below the bark directly or when freezing temperatures follow, causing that portion of the trunk to die.
3. Food production loss from the absence of its crown greatly a tree’s ability to channel nourishment to the woody parts - the stem and root system.
4. Excess resprouting occurs as the result of loss of branches, the tree forming very thick and ugly sprouting almost overnight.
5. Disease and insect attack follows on the heels of resprouting, sunscald and food production loss as a tree’s physiological system is altered and disease resistance lowered.
6. Root weakening and decay result from the loss of food resources once produced in the part of the crown that was removed.
7. Shortened life span or death of a tree is the eventual result of topping. Some trees will not tolerate topping and may quickly die. All other survivors will have reduced life spans.

Why Topping Hurts Trees

Don't Top Trees!

What is Topping? Problems Caused by Topping

"The Myth of Tree Topping", Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association B&B; Newsletter, Sept. 2003

Topping vs. Pruning
Topping
• Branches are shortened, leaving stubbed-off branch ends.
• Sprouting occurs near the ends of cut branches. Branches quickly grow back, only thicker.
• Regrowth is weakly attached and breaks easily in storms.
• Can cause dead branch stubs. Maximizes chances for future decay inside branches and trunk.
• Tree quickly regains original size, but with weak branches.
• Especially destructive if applied to entire tree.
• Produces whole population of weak, unhealthy trees over time.

Recommended Pruning
• Whole branches growing in undesirable directions are removed.
• Only offending branches are removed.
• Future storm damage is minimized.
• Tree can grow over pruning wounds. Chances for decay are minimized.
• Tends to lengthen time needed between prunings.
• Works with natural growth habit of tree.
• Encourages trees to grow safe and sound.

PART I: Why it is Important to Hire a City Approved Tree Service: A Case Study

ABSTRACT: PARTS I –III illustrate with a Case Study why it is important for Carmelites to hire City approved Tree Service Companies. PART I provides a List of Current Tree Service Companies with Business Licenses for Tree Services. PART II presents the actual Case Study. And PART III recounts the “discussion” of the FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION on the “illegal tree pruning of a Monterey cypress” in Carmel-by-the-Sea at their Thursday, July 3, 2008 Meeting.

Herewith is the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s List of Current Tree Service Companies (27) with Business Licenses for Tree Services, including Business Names, Location by City and Phone Numbers (or Physical Addresses).

AFFORDABLE ARBORIST TREE Monterey (831) 375-7900

BREEZY TREE Seaside 1-866-620-8991

CALIFORNIA GROWING CONCERN, INC. Fresno (559) 237-8733

CENTRAL COAST TREE/TIMBER SERVICE Big Bend, CA (831) 583-9784

COMMUNITY TREE SERVICE Watsonville (831) 763-2391 Email: [email protected]

CYPRESS COAST COMPANY Carmel (831) 624-1799

DAVEY TREE SURGERY COMPANY Santa Clara 1-800-445-8733

EL GABILAN TREE SERVICE Salinas (831) 771-9751‎

GATES TREE SERVICE Carmel Valley (831) 646-8199

MAUREEM HAMB, WCISA 849 Almar Avenue Ste. C, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060

HARTMAN INDUSTRIES 37341 Palo Colorado Rd. Carmel, CA. 93923

IVERSON TREE SERVICE Carmel Valley (831) 625-5743

JOHN LEY’S TREE SERVICE Pacific Grove (831) 373-6332

LOPEZ GARDENING & TREE SERVICE P.O. Box 1023 Seaside, CA. 93955

MOUNTAIN F ENTERPRISES, INC. P.O. Box 1040 Placerville, CA. 95651

RICK’S TREE SERVICE P.O. Box 4194 Carmel, CA. 93921

SILVERLEAF TREE SERVICE Salinas (831) 663-0618‎

SMITH TREE SERVICE, INC. Carmel (831) 649-4343

SOUTH BAY TREE CARE
Salinas 1-866-751-3036 (831) 663-2677

SPENCER’S TREE SERVICE Carmel (831) 624-0187

TOPE’S TREE SERVICE Pacific Grove (831) 373-7765

TREEDOWN 88 Paseo Hermoso Salinas, CA. 93908

URBAN LUMBERJACKS, INC. Salinas (831) 373-0149

E. VALDEZ TREE SERVICE 400 Camino Aguajito Monterey, CA. 93940

WESTON’S TREE SERVICE 19872 Cachagua Rd. Carmel Valley, CA. 93924

WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC.
Anaheim, CA 1- 800.521.3714 Email: [email protected]

ZARCO’S TREE SERVICE Carmel Valley (831) 757-7643

NOTE: In the last fiscal year, FY 2007-2008, the City has contracted with GATES TREE SERVICE, IVERSON TREE SERVICE, JOHN LEY’S TREE SERVICE, TOPE’S TREE SERVICE, URBAN LUMBERJACKS, INC., E. VALDEZ TREE SERVICE and WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC.

Trees: Their Benefits & Reasons to Plant a Tree

ABSTRACT: The Benefits of Trees, adapted from the International Society of Arboriculture, and Reasons to Plant a Tree, adapted from "A Tree's Importance and Environmental Benefit," are presented.

"He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he
provideth a kindness for many generations, and
faces that he hath not seen shall bless him."
- Henry Van Dyke

Benefits of Trees
The benefits of trees can be grouped into social, communal, environmental, and economic categories.

Social Benefits
• Most of us respond to the presence of trees beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. We are “at home” there.

• The stature, strength, and endurance of trees give them a cathedral-like quality. Because of their potential for long life, trees frequently are planted as living memorials. We often become personally attached to trees that we or those we love have planted.

Communal Benefits
• Even though trees may be private property, their size often makes them part of the community as well.

• City trees often serve several architectural and engineering functions. They provide privacy, emphasize views, or screen out objectionable views. They reduce glare and reflection. They direct pedestrian traffic. They provide background to and soften, complement, or enhance architecture.

Environmental Benefits
• Trees alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. Climate control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deflected by leaves on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filtered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. We are cooler when we stand in the shade of trees and are not exposed to direct sunlight. In winter, we value the sun’s radiant energy.

• Temperature in the vicinity of trees is cooler than that away from trees. The larger the tree, the greater the cooling. By using trees in the cities, we are able to moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in commercial areas.

• Air quality can be improved through the use of trees. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates. Rain then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants—such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide—and give off oxygen.

• By planting trees, we return to a more natural, less artificial environment. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the area. The natural cycles of plant growth, reproduction, and decomposition are again present, both above and below ground. Natural harmony is restored to the urban environment.

Economic Benefits
• Direct economic benefits are usually associated with energy costs. Air-conditioning costs are lower in a tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak. Trees increase in value from the time they are planted until they mature. Trees are a wise investment of funds because landscaped homes are more valuable than nonlandscaped homes. The savings in energy costs and the increase in property value directly benefit each home owner.

• The indirect economic benefits of trees are even greater. These benefits are available to the community or region. Lowered electricity bills are paid by customers when power companies are able to use less water in their cooling towers, build fewer new facilities to meet peak demands, use reduced amounts of fossil fuel in their furnaces, and use fewer measures to control air pollution. Communities also can save money if fewer facilities must be built to control storm water in the region. To the individual, these savings are small, but to the community, reductions in these expenses are often in the thousands of dollars.

Reasons to Plant Trees
Trees become "carbon sinks":
To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide, a global warming suspect. An urban forest is a carbon storage area that can lock up as much carbon as it produces.

Trees produce oxygen:
A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.

Trees clean the air:
Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this air pollution by lowering air temperature, through respiration, and by retaining particulates.

Trees shade and cool:
Shade from trees reduces the need for air conditioning in summer. In winter, trees break the force of winter winds, lowering heating costs. Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can literally be "heat islands," with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas.

Trees fight soil erosion:
Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater, and reduce water runoff and sediment deposit after storms.

Trees make effective sound barriers:
Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees, planted at strategic points in a neighborhood or around your house, can abate major noises from streets.

Trees increase property values:
Real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighborhood. Trees can increase the property value of your home by 15% or more.

"If I thought I was going to die tomorrow,
I should nevertheless plant a tree today."
- Stephan Girard

Random Reportings

ABSTRACT: Random Reportings on the Carmel Fire Department, Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (SCC), FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION, FOREST THEATER FENCE REPAIR and the Golden Bough Playhouse update are presented.

• A "Resolution ratifying the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Carmel Firefighters Association" was unanimously approved as part of the Consent Calendar by the City Council at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.

Note: The Carmel Professional Firefighters had been working without a contract since July 2007.

• In a letter dated May 6, 2008, Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (SCC) Executive Director Peter Lesnik, requested a waiver of the City’s fee for the installation of seven banners announcing the SCC’s Season Launch Party and Open Community Meeting, as follows:

“As you know, being a non-profit organization strongly limits our spending and any discretionary use of funds. The banners we will place on Ocean Avenue and in front of the Center announce the Season Launch Party and our Open Community Meeting – all of which are for and support the Carmel community. The $530.00 City fee, in addition to what we have already paid out for the design and production of the banners, puts a huge hardship on the Center. Given this, we thoughtfully ask that you consider waiving the City fee."

Note: The fee is used by the City to pay the Trucksis Company for the installation of the banners.

CORRECTION:
The City fee is $330.00, not $530.00, as stated in Executive Director Peter Lesnik’s letter.

COMMENT:
As part of the Consent Calendar, the City Council unanimously approved the request for a waiver of the City’s fee of $330.00. For FY 2007/08, the City subsidy to SCC was $750,000. Does $330.00 really represent a “huge hardship” on Sunset Cultural Center, Inc.?

• For the month of April 2008, a total of $3,195.33 was expended for “FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION,” as follows:

Carmel-by-the-Sea
May 2008 Check Register
(Includes checks dated 4/25-4/29/08)

115318 4/29/08 DROUGHT RESISTANT NURSERY $ 214.45 TREES FOR FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION

115349 4/29/08 SEASIDE GARDEN CENTER $ 160.88 TREE FOR FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION

115329 4/29/08 JOE BRUNO CONSTRUCTION $ 2,820.00 PERMEABLE PAVERS LINCOLN & 5TH (FOREST STUDY IMPLEMENTATION)

• For the month of April 2008, the total cost for the “FOREST THEATER FENCE REPAIR” was $9,090.00; and $600.00 for the “MISSION TRAIL PAILS/POST REPAIR,” as follows:

Carmel-by-the-Sea
April 2008 Check Register
(Includes checks dated 3/25/08-3/31/08)

115094 3/25/08 KNA GENERAL CONSTRUCTION $ 7,590.00 FOREST THEATER FENCE REPAIR

115094 3/25/08 KNA GENERAL CONSTRUCTION $ 600.00 MISSION TRAIL RAILS/POST REPAIR

115130 4/1/08 KNA GENERAL CONSTRUCTION $ 1,500.00 FOREST THEATER FENCE REPAIR
----Vendor Total---- $ 9,690.00

• During Appearances at the City Council meeting on June 3, 2008, PacRep Executive Director Stephen Moorer invited the community, especially residents of the Golden Bough neighborhood, to a Townhall Meeting on the Golden Bough at the Golden Bough Playhouse on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting is expected to be 1 ½ hours duration. Additionally, the Golden Bough Pre-Design is complete; the Schematic Design (physical design) is underway. In assessing donor feasibility, PacRep has divided the campaign into two phases; a $6 million phase for the Mainstage and a $4 million phase for the Circle Theatre, Administrative Offices and Technical Improvements to the Mainstage.

Carmelites' Pleas to Restore Carmel's "Urbanized" Forest

"Signature" Monterey Pine (Upper Canopy) and Coast Live Oak (Lower Canopy) trees of Carmel's "Urbanized" Forest

ABSTRACT: In celebration of Earth Day and the environment, Carmel’s “urbanized" forest is featured; specifically, Carmelite Dick Dalsemer's remarks at the City Council’s Budget Meeting on April 17, 2008. His remarks focus on the need for the City Council to support the Forest and Beach Commission’s goal of hiring a permanent, full-time tree water/maintenance person beginning in FY 2008/09. Dalsemer’s remarks are transcribed and a link to a video/audio presentation of his remarks is provided. COMMENTS are made about analogous remarks in support of a full-time tree water/maintenance person by Carmelites Clayton Anderson and Steve Brooks.

At the City Council’s Budget Meeting on April 17, 2008, during the public comment period, Carmelite Dick Dalsemer spoke about Carmel’s urbanized forest and the need to budget for a permanent, full-time water/maintenance person as recommended by the Forest and Beach Commission. Dalsemer’s remarks, as follows:

“Dick Dalsemer. I’m a citizen of Carmel and also a member of the Friends of Carmel Forest. And I would like to also talk to you about the idea, the goal, that you got from the Forest and Beach Commissioners to have a full-time tree water/maintenance person. I think it’s absolutely vital from an economic standpoint as well as other standpoints. As you know, one of the reasons that Carmel is losing trees on City property much faster than they can be replaced is because there is no one to nurture planted trees…that is to say, we have a less than half time, or we have had a less than half time person to do that, but working, I believe 18 hours a week, she’s only been able to handle 24-25 new trees a year which is not replacing the trees that we’re losing. And…we have a deficit, if that’s the right word, of about 340, 350 trees that need to be replaced, should be replaced and haven’t been. It’s going to take a long time to do that."

“I think that Carmel’s urbanized forest is one of the most important reasons for visitors coming to stay here and tourism, as we all know, is the most important segment of the City’s economy. If you continue to allow the forest to disappear…something that will in all likelihood continue at an even faster rate because so many of our trees now are reaching the end of their lives and so are coming down in even larger numbers, I think, in the future. You will be seriously damaging our economy and the City’s already inadequate revenue stream. The longer that you fail to budget for at least one full-time tree water/maintenance position, the more expensive rejuvenating the forest will become in the future. If you don’t begin to act now, to allow adequate tree replacement that will eventually result in a forest that has parity, a healthy forest we used to have 20 to 30 year ago, the situation is just going to get increasingly difficult to deal with and more and more expensive. City Council’s which may find themselves in a position of having to choose in the future between spending a much larger percentage of the City’s budget on reforestation or…replacement of trees that formerly existed or saying we’ll just let the forest disappear which will undoubtedly have a really negative effect on the economy of the City as well as the quality of life.”

“Again, I urge you to include in your budget a permanent full-time water maintenance person beginning with this next fiscal year in order to begin to prevent what is already an acute problem from becoming even more serious.”

“Thank you.”

COMMENTS:
• View video/audio presentation of remarks by Dick Dalsemer (Beginning 29:34-33:20 ending), Clayton Anderson (Beginning 6:55-9:06 ending) and Steve Brooks (Beginning 25:34-28:28 ending)

• At the City Council Budget Meeting, the Friends of Carmel Forest pledged a grant of $5,000.00 for FY 2008/09 to the City to assist defray the expense associated with a full-time water/maintenance position, according to Clayton Anderson, President of the Friends of Carmel Forest.

THE HERITAGE TREES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Definition of Heritage Trees of Carmel-by-the-Sea: An environmental legacy passed on within the community of Carmel-by-the-Sea from one generation to another generation.

Herewith are the Heritage Trees of Carmel-by-the-Sea, grouped according to species, including circumference measurements at 4.5 feet above ground level, location and interesting notes.

THE HERITAGE TREES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

The Monterey Cypress Trees:
1. “Dead” Monterey Cypresses (“Ghost Trees”);
West end Ocean Av., North of Del Mar Av.;
Planted in early 1900s.




2. Monterey Cypresses (“Cypress Aisle”);
W/s & E/s Scenic Rd between 8th Av. & Santa Lucia Av.;
“Sea shaped;” refers to the seaside effects of wind, fog and salt air, planted 1905-10.


















3. Monterey Cypresses (“The Arcade”);
W/s & E/s San Antonio Av. between 10th Av. & 12th Av.;
Large Cypresses meet overhead.


4. Monterey Cypress;
Camino Real 2 S.W. 10th Av.,
Private property.




The Monterey Pine Trees:
1. Monterey Pine;
S.W. Corner Mission St. & 4th Av.


2. Monterey Pine (12’7”);
Casanova 3 N.W. Ocean Av.;
“Perfect Balance.”


3. Monterey Pine (15’5”);
Camino Real 6 S.E. 12th Av.;
Private property, in rear.


4. Monterey Pine (13’7”);
Camino Real & 10th Av., Center Island.


5. Monterey Pine (17”, 95’ height);
San Carlos St. & Santa Lucia Av., N.W. Corner;
Private property, in courtyard, visible from north.;
“Maybe the largest Monterey Pine in U.S.”






The Coast Live Oak Trees:
1. Coast Live Oak;
Devendorf Park, S.W. Corner of Park at Ocean Av. & Mission St.;
One of the largest trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea.


2. Coast Live Oak (11’);
San Carlos St. & 6th Av., Courtyard of Bank;
On site of early residence of Fred and Clara Leidig, an old Carmel family. Glenn and Dale Leidig saved the tree when the land was leased to the bank.


3. Coast Live Oak;
Sunset Center, San Carlos St., south end by “stage door” entrance;
Plaque honoring Burl Ives’ 1991 Carmel visit to “sing for the trees.”




The Coast Redwood Trees:
1. Coast Redwood;
Near S.E. Corner, San Carlos St. & 4th Av.


2. Coast Redwood (16’7”);
N.E. Corner, San Carlos St. & 5th Av. in Lodge Courtyard;
Largest tree in Commercial District.


3.Coast Redwood (11’10”);
Monte Verde St., S.E. Ocean Av., in front of City Hall.


4. Coast Redwood (14’5”);
Torres St. & 11th Av., N.W. Corner;
Near an entrance to Mission Trail Nature Preserve.






The Eucalyptus Trees:
1. Blue Gum Eucalyptus (14’7”);
E/s Lincoln St. between 5th Av. & 6th Av., mid block;
Largest of species in Commercial District.


2. Eucalyptus Grove;
W/s San Antonio Av., North of 4th Av.;
“probably planted as windbreak for early rancho, house said to date to 1846.”


3. Blue Gum Eucalyptus (22’8”);
San Antonio Av. & Ocean Av., N.W. Corner;
Largest tree in Carmel, “probably planted on land of early rancho.”


The American Holly Tree:
1. American Holly (5’4”, 39’ height);
San Carlos St. & Santa Lucia Av., N.W. Corner,
Private property, in courtyard;
“Largest American Holly in California”


American Holly (left) & Monterey Pine Tree #5 (behind)


ADDENDUM:
The following two Heritage Trees are no longer present in Carmel-by-the-Sea;

Monterey Pine;
San Carlos St. 4 N.E. 7th Av.;
Large tree incorporated into small commercial building

Monterey Pine (9’5”) “Straight Arrow;”
E/s San Carlos St. between Ocean Av. & 7th Av., mid block, in front of Wells Fargo Bank;
Replaced by Coast Redwood