Kersting Tree Removal to Cost $2,500

West Coast Arborists will remove the largest, eastern-most California Pepper Tree in Kersting Court on Wednesday, costing the city $2,500. The money will come out of the city’s Environmental Fund, which has money designated for tree maintenance.

The tree, which is estimated to be over 100-years-old by Public Works official Bruce Inman, is scheduled to come down at approximately 10 a.m. No street closures are planned and the time was chosen so it wouldn't conflict with rush hour, according to Liz Cowan, Administrative Intern for the City.

The tree was flagged for removal in January after an arborist deemed it a public hazard. It's currently being held up by two metal poles, though the arborist originally suggested it be surrounded by a fence to indicate just how dangerous it was, according to City officials. Officials say the City moved not to put up the fence because they didn't want to alarm residents.

The City has requested that parts of the branches and stump be salvaged for possible future use. Commissioners at the joint Tree Commission-Community Services meeting on February 21 moved to have as much of the tree saved as possible in hopes of turning the wood into benches or tables for public use in Kersting Ct.

The branches and stumps will be stored in the City yard.

City Staff is currently putting together a report that will outline several plans for the tree site. Replacing the tree or possibly using the space for seating were options discussed by the commissioners. Nothing has been decided yet.

The City put out a request for bids on the project to several arborists before hiring West Coast Arborists, which the city says provided the lowest and therefore most cost-effective.

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