Santa Monica To Remove Aging Coral Trees Along San Vicente Boulevard: Reports

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica plans to remove a row of aging coral trees from the San Vicente Boulevard median after an independent assessment found most are in poor health and pose a significant risk of failure.

The Santa Monica Daily Press reported that consulting arborist Jonathan Flournoy evaluated 13 South African coral trees along the corridor, rating nine as high risk, three as moderate risk and one as low risk. His report said all 13 trees were in poor condition with little or no healthy foliage and concluded removal was the only practical option for the most severely affected trees because of extensive decay and root damage.

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According to Flournoy's assessment, drought stress is the likely cause of the trees' decline, although determining the underlying cause was outside the scope of the assessment.

KTLA later reported the city plans to remove the remaining 12 trees covered by the assessment, along with four smaller coral trees identified during an earlier review, after one of the assessed trees suffered a complete failure on July 4.

City officials said that coral trees across Santa Monica and the Los Angeles region are experiencing similar decline because of a combination of drought stress and disease. They also said the removals are necessary to protect public safety.

The North of Montana Association will discuss the removals with city officials during a virtual community meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 6.