Local News in Brief : Bids Sought for Tree Removal

The Palos Verdes Estates City Council agreed Tuesday to seek bids on pruning or removing trees on city property which are infested by the Australian eucalyptus longhorned borer beetle.

Walter Warriner, city parklands inspector, said he surveyed 9 acres, about 10% of the city’s parkland, and found 580 infested trees in need of removal and another 290 that require pruning of dead wood, which attracts the pest. He said the survey concentrated on trees posing the greatest threat to eucalyptus on private property.

Warriner said it would cost about $85,000 at last year’s prices to remove or prune infested trees in the survey area. In the entire 100 acres of city parkland, the cost could run as high as $1 million.

Experts have told the city staff that the only way to combat the beetle is to get rid of dead and dying trees. Warriner said thinning the city’s eucalyptus stands would provide more water and nutrients for healthier trees, enabling them to withstand the beetle.

Meanwhile, about 20 residents have formed Beetle Busters United to control the infestation. Information is available from Paula Wicks, committee chairwoman, at 373-2481.