PART VII: Consulting Arborist’s “PREMINARY FINDINGS DURING A ONE BLOCK REVIEW OF CARMEL STREET TREES,” Current Observations & Comments/Conclusions

COMMENTS:
The Consulting Arborist’s survey of the city block of Ocean Avenue (south side), Mission Street (west side), 7th Avenue (north side) and San Carlos Street (east side) yielded the following tree species and numbers of trees, as follows:

Coast Live Oak: 8
Coast Redwood: 7
Sweetgum: 7
Holly Oak: 6
Blackwood Acacia: 3
London Plane: 3
Catalina Ironwood: 2
Monterey Pine: 2
Island Oak: 1
TOTAL: 39 Trees

In the City’s Local Coastal Program, there is a Forest Management Plan, Appendix G, CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, RECOMMENDED TREE SPECIES LIST. The “LIST” states, in part, as follows:

Our forest is based on the concept of a two-story canopy consisting of native and indigenous trees and is one that the Commission feels is essential for the continuation of Carmel’s forest. Monterey pines (Pinus radiata) and cypresses (Cypressus macrocarpa) are the primary upper canopy trees of the forest and the planting of these species shall receive the greatest priority in appropriate situations. Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) is the preferred lower canopy tree. In general, the native indigenous trees (pine, cypress, and oaks) will do well planted at any location throughout the City.

A healthy forest requires a variety of tree species to preclude a single disease from causing irreversible damage. Therefore, the following list of tree species, including growth characteristics, is provided for those circumstances where one of the preferred tree species is not appropriate. Native species are favored.

Thus, the “preferred” trees are Monterey Pines, Monterey Cypresses and Coast Live Oaks; and “native species are favored” when “one of the preferred tree species is not appropriate.” Yet, as this one commercial block survey reveals, of 39 total trees, only 10 trees are “preferred” trees; that is, 2 Monterey Pines and 8 Coast Live Oaks. Furthermore, of the most recently planted trees, none of them are Monterey Pines, Monterey Cypresses or Coast Live Oaks; rather, there are Coast Redwoods (7) and Sweetgums (7).

Coast Redwoods are considered the tallest trees in the world, commonly 200 ft – 300 ft tall and 23 ft. diameter. And even though the City’s RECOMMENDED TREE SPECIES LIST states that Coast Redwoods “grow to 50-60 feet in our area,” other cities typically recommend the planting of redwoods only where the planting space area exceeds 15 feet in width (ex. Novato, CA., http://www.ci.novato.ca.us/cd/forms/CDP045.pdf) and areas such as “parks, greenbelts, or large front yards with no overhead obstructions.” (ex. Stockton, CA., http://www.stocktongov.com/parks/trees/MasterTreeList.pdf).

And even though the City’s RECOMMENDED TREE SPECIES LIST states that Sweet Gums grow “to 40-feet in coastal climate,” other cities typically advise the planting of Sweetgums in 5 feet or more wide planting space areas or in parks and greenbelts (ex. Stockton, CA., http://www.stocktongov.com/parks/trees/MasterTreeList.pdf). Even Barrie D. Coate concluded, “I suggest that since most cities are no longer using sweetgums as street trees that the city of Carmel consider that decision as well.”

Furthermore, of the 39 trees on the surveyed block, Blackwood Acacia and Island Oak are not even on the City’s RECOMMENDED TREE SPECIES LIST and Catalina Ironwood, Holly Oak, London Plane and Sweetgum are non-native; 22 of the 39 total trees are either not on the “LIST” or non-native. And the City’s recent planting of young Coast Redwoods and Sweetgums is prevalent in the city overall, not just this surveyed city block. Ergo, the Acting City Forester is incorrectly interpreting and implementing the City’s Local Coastal Program and Municipal Code, particularly with regard to the planting of the three “preferred” trees, namely Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress and Coast Live Oak. Moreover, the city’s planting of Coast Redwoods and Sweetgums is not only in contradiction to the LCP and Municipal Code, but it is unwise due to the typically too small planter space openings given to trees in the city’s commercial sidewalks.

One of the trees surveyed on San Carlos St., Tree # 37 Coast Redwood, is a young tree. It replaced Monterey Pine (9’5”) “Straight Arrow,” one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Heritage Trees. Regarding tree replacement species, the Municipal Code, 17.48.080 Tree Removal and Replacement, states, as follows: “Replacement trees shall be the same species as the removed tree or another species listed on the Tree Species List and as approved by the City Forester except that particular emphasis shall be placed on maintaining a significant population of native Monterey Pine, coast live oaks and Monterey Cypress on a City-wide basis.” Yet the removed Monterey Pine was replaced by a Coast Redwood.

CONCLUSIONS:
What conclusions can be drawn from Barrie Coate’s “PREMINARY FINDINGS DURING A ONE BLOCK REVIEW OF CARMEL STREET TREES” report?

• To the extent the City implements a tree policy, the city violates the Local Coastal Program and the Municipal Code with regard to replacement tree species; that is, Monterey Pines, Monterey Cypresses and Coast Live Oaks, the “preferred” trees, are not being planted in the commercial district. Note: The planting of approximately 32 Monterey Pines and Cypresses along the south side of Ocean Avenue between San Antonio & Camino Real and north of Ocean Avenue at Del Mar Avenue in late October 2006 was initiated by Friends of Carmel Forest and made possible by a grant from California ReLeaf.

• The city does not have uniform standards for planter space openings with regard to their placement on the sidewalk and size.

• Too many planter space openings are too small for existing trees in the commercial district.

• This one commercial block symbolizes the City’s neglect of Carmel’s trees and forest over many, many years.

• While the City Council adds to reserve funds on an annual basis and presides over reserve funds totaling $9.6 million, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “signature” Monterey Pine “urbanized” forest dies.

QUESTIONS:
Why has the Acting City Forester authorized the planting of non-native trees (Sweetgums) and poor sidewalk trees for the available planter space (Coast Redwoods), rather than implementing the LCP and Municipal Code with respect to the planting of the “preferred” trees, namely, Monterey Pines, Monterey Cypresses and Coast Live Oaks?

What will Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “urbanized” forest look like in the not to distant future if Monterey Pines, Monterey Cypresses and Coast Live Oaks are not planted in the commercial district and beyond?

REFERENCES:
General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element
Urbanized Forest, Parks and Open Spaces

Carmel's forest is an “urbanized” Monterey pine forest rather than an “urban” forest...An “urbanized” forest exists before development and is characterized by its diversity in species, age and randomness in tree location resulting in meandering streets of varying width. (LUP)

To many, the “urbanized” forest is the character-defining feature that makes Carmel-by the-Sea so unique. The forest, along with the beach and ocean, is the City’s largest and most visible natural resource. Homes are nestled into the native Monterey pine and Coast Live oak on a grid of streets that yields to trees more than to engineering expediency. Upper canopy trees impart a distinctive ambiance and identity to the City. Lower canopy trees soften and provide screening of development. Together the mix of upper and lower canopy trees establishes a powerful sense of place. (LUP)

Steps must be taken to minimize the threat to existing healthy Monterey pines and new seedlings to ensure continued diversity in species, age, and location…It is essential that these and other policy directives be carried out to ensure that the Monterey pine forest landscape is protected so that the forested character of this unique coastal village is preserved. (LUP)

Forest Management Plan
Appendix G
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
RECOMMENDED TREE SPECIES LIST
The “Preferred” Upper & Lower Canopy Trees, as follows:

Pinus radita – “Monterey Pine”
An attractive pine that creates the forested character of our village. A fast growing native species, which naturally occurs along the coast of central California, and can rapidly attain 70-100 feet. It is best suited to coastal landscapes where it becomes drought tolerant. Monterey pine has the form of a pyramid, but at maturity develops a rounded or flatish crown. Accepts lots of water, but can get overgrown and die at early ages, therefore, watering should be limited to the first few years after planting. (Native, evergreen, upper canopy tree).

Cupressus macrocarpa – “Monterey Cypress”
Stately and conical when young. At maturity attains heights of 40 feet and more, and as wide. With supplemental water, it produces amazing growth. Planted away from the coast, it is susceptible to canker fungus. Fog and wind conditions will allow proper development and freedom from canker. (Native, evergreen, upper canopy tree).

Quercus agrifolia – “Coast Live Oak”
Evergreen tree, developing a broad round dome from 30-60 feet high, 35-80 feet wide. Fast growing when young, especially with ample water. Supplemental watering of mature trees is not recommended. Native to coast ranges from Mendocino to San Diego counties. Has greedy roots and drops almost all of its old leaves in early spring. It is a magnificent year-round cover for small gardens. (Native, evergreen, lower canopy tree).

Tree species list “where one of the preferred tree species is not appropriate. Native species are favored;” trees below from list with respect to surveyed block.

Selected excerpts, as follows:
UPPER CANOPY TREES

Sequoia sempervirens - “Coast Redwood”
Will grow to 50-60 feet in our area, tops usually die as a result of coastal wind. (Native upper canopy tree).

LOWER CANOPY TREES
Lyonothamnus floribunda asplenifolius – “Catalina Ironwood”
Moderate growth rate, 30-40 feet in height. (Native lower canopy tree).
Note: Lyonothamnus floribundus asplenifolius is a native of the Channel Islands.

Quercus ilex – “Holly Oak”
Native to the Mediterranean region. Medium size tree grows to 30 feet with a round canopy. (Lower canopy tree)
Note: Non-native.

Liquidamber styraciflua – “Sweet Gum”
Moderate growth rate with cone shape form at maturity. Grows to 40-feet in coastal climate...(Lower canopy tree).
Note: Non-native.

Platanus acerifolia - “London Plane”
Fast growing to 40-50 feet. (Lower canopy tree).
Note: Non-native.

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Municipal Code
Chapter 12.28
TREES AND SHRUBS*
12.28.010 Purpose and Intention.
The City Council finds that it is necessary to maintain the existing urban forest in order to preserve windbreak protection, abate soil erosion, and enhance the natural beauty of the City, and adopts this chapter in the interest of public health and safety. (Ord. 79-5 § 1, 1979; Ord. 214 C.S. § 1, 1970; Code 1975 § 1230).

12.28.230 Planting Trees.
All trees planted in the public street or sidewalk area and all tree planting spaces required by this code shall be located and planted under the supervision of the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach, who shall supervise such planting and locating. In the performance of such work, consideration shall be given to the following factors; provided, that setbacks permit and considerations of safety do not interfere. These factors are determined to be of primary importance in maintaining the City forest:

D. Species selected may vary, depending on location, however, the preference of native species is urged; the Monterey pine is to be perpetuated as the dominant forest tree within the City.
Chapter 17.34
LANDSCAPING
17.34.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect and enhance Carmel-by-the-Sea’s dominant Monterey Pine urbanized forest and landscaped amenities.

Chapter 17.48
TREES AND SHRUBS1
17.48.010 Purpose.
The City Council finds that in order to preserve windbreaks, reduce soil erosion, and preserve the natural beauty of the City’s urbanized forest, it is necessary to maintain the extent and health of the dominant Monterey Pine forest, along with other native tree species and adopts this chapter in the interest of public health and safety. (Ord. 2004-02 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2004-01 § 1, 2004).

17.48.080 Tree Removal and Replacement.
3. Tree Species. Replacement trees shall be the same species as the removed tree or another species listed on the Tree Species List and as approved by the City Forester except that particular emphasis shall be placed on maintaining a significant population of native Monterey Pine, coast live oaks and Monterey Cypress on a City-wide basis. Replacement Monterey Pine trees shall be of local genetic stock.