Tree May Be Removed in Kersting Court

The city will likely remove the large California pepper tree that towers over Kersting Court because it has been deemed a public hazard by the Sierra Madre Tree Commission and a contract arborist hired by the city.

The pepper tree lost a very large branch the night of Nov. 29, said Bruce Inman, Public Works Director for Sierra Madre. The branch fell just 24 hours before a historic windstorm swept through Sierra Madre and uprooted 122 trees and created over 1,300 tons of debris. Kersting Court saw a few downed trees during the windstorm.

But there's good news. Inman said that the city is planning on replacing the pepper tree and the other fallen trees in Kersting Court and will seek input from residents to see what species they'd like to see planted.

The Tree Advisory Commission will hold a joint meeting with the Community Services Commission on Feb. 21, and residents interested in voicing their opinions are encouraged to attend.

If you would like to file an appeal regarding the removal of the pepper tree, you must submit it in writing to Inman by 5 p.m. on Feb. 20. Mail it to: Bruce Inman, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre CA 91024

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