Long Beach to Remove Decaying Coral Trees After Tree Fell on Wedding Party in Whittier

LONG BEACH, CA -- Two days after a tree fell onto a wedding party in Whittier, killing a 61-year-old woman and leaving a 4-year-old girl critically injured, Long Beach officials Monday announced plans to remove five coral trees along Ocean Boulevard and Cherry Avenue that are at risk of falling.

According to the city, the trees have "significant trunk and root decay," and some limbs fell from the trees over the summer.

"We are always saddened to see any of our beloved trees removed, but as these specific trees die and pose a significant safety risk, our priority is to ensure that our parks are safe and the rest of our trees are as healthy as possible," according to Marie Knight, director of the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine.

According to the city, two arborists studied the tries and concluded that the trees could fall, with "severe" consequences. Both recommended that the trees be removed. Twelve other trees in the area will be pruned.

The work will begin early next month, according to the city.

There are 22 coral trees in the area, ranging in height from 20 to 60 feet, with canopies covering roughly the same distance. City officials said the trees are naturally brittle and prone to decay, particularly during periods of extreme heat or drought.

The Whittier park where a tree fell onto a wedding party on Saturday has been closed until an arborist can determine when the tree fell and evaluate other trees in the park.

-- City News Service, photo by Kahuroa/Wiki Commons