Herewith is a Forest & Beach Commission commissioned report, “An Overview of Trees in the City of Carmel,” by Consulting Arborist Barrie D. Coate.
BARRIE D. COATE and ASSOCIATES
Horticultural Consultants
23535 Summit Road
Los Gatos, CA. 95033
408/353-1052
An Overview of Trees in the City of Carmel
Prepared for Kathleen Coss
Carmel Forest and Beach Commission
P.O. Box 4673
Carmel, CA. 93921
Prepared by Barrie D. Coate
Consulting Arborist
March 22, 2007
An Overview of Trees in the City of Carmel
It is not an exaggeration to state that the general condition of trees in the City of Carmel is deteriorating fairly rapidly, nor is it an exaggeration to state that Carmel will not be as attractive either to residents or to visitors within a fairly short period unless significant, municipally supported steps are taken to reverse the tree decline where possible or alternatively to plant new trees of appropriate species as part of an organized program on an ongoing, long term basis.
The mature, 90’ tall Monterey Pines, which form the skyline character in postcards of Carmel from the 1940’s, are dying off, primarily due to infection by pine pitch canker disease, leaving large gaps in the municipal tree canopy.
Unfortunately, the drama involved in the loss of this large a tree usually steals the show from the gradual decline of the other most frequently encountered native, tree, Coast Live Oak. Between severe infestation of Oak Leaf Caterpillar larvae, Fruit Tree Leaf roller larvae, Oak mildew disease and witches broom disease damage, our native Oaks have a very hard life.
When they are planted in very small spaces which severely restrict their roots’ access to oxygen and water and those species are further restricted by expansion of pavement, it should no be surprising that these natural and man-made stresses combine to result in loss of more growth annually that they can replace.
A program designed to address these subjects is urgently needed, which includes:
1) Replacement of mature Monterey Pines with several species which mature at 70-100’ tall.
2) Deep, voluminous irrigation of the Oaks in restricted soil spaces.
3) Pest control for Oaks which are most severely stressed.
4) Control over the quality of pruning of at least publicly owned trees.
5) Development of an acceptable list of replacement species, accompanied by quality standards fro purchasing, installation and maintenance of those trees.
6) Assignment of a well trained person or persons to the responsibility of irrigation and pruning of newly installed trees, using the latest recommended procedures.
Respectfully submitted,
Barrie D. Coate
March 22, 2007
Questions:
1. Why did the Forest & Beach Commission and Acting City Forester commission a non-local, “consulting arborist” to complete “An Overview of Trees in the City of Carmel?”
2. Why didn’t the Forest & Beach Commission and Acting City Forester commission Friends of Carmel Forest, a local, more knowledgeable and informed group about Carmel-by-the-Sea’s traditions, forest and Local Coastal Program as it pertains to forestry and tree issues to complete “An Overview of Trees in the City of Carmel?”
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