Damage to Oaks in Coto de Caza

Coto de Caza Development Co. has recently brought a great deal of attention to its saving one 150-year-old oak tree.

What the public does not know is that the developer could have built a cul-de-sac (for the home sites) around the oak tree for the minimal estimated cost of six thousands dollars. That would have left this old oak in it’s original place saving it from shock and possible death, and allow future home owners the enjoyment of its presence on their street.

Why was it moved? Coto de Caza must have determined that the sites would be worth more money. With the tree removed they could sell more lots or at least larger lots.

What the developer has not told the public is that they have affected more than just this oak. In fact, they channeled so much water into the Youth Park (in Coto) that they changed the water table, causing an entire stand of oaks to become distressed, diseased, and a few even killed from fungal infection.

In an area referred to as the “Forest,” Coto de Caza removed a partial stand of oaks. They told the county that 16 oaks would be removed while the actual count from residents appeared to significantly exceed that number.

They then graded this area for more roads and lots. Their heavy machinery cut into trunks, branches, and root structure leaving more oaks mangled and exposed.

Numerous oak trees have been ill-affected by the development inside Coto. Saving one oak tree does not make amends for the destruction and damage that has occurred to the other oaks all in the interest of money.

WENDY DAVIS

Coto de Caza