ENCINO : 2 Doomed Trees Healthy, Experts Say

Two tree experts on Wednesday contradicted findings by the city Department of Public Works that a giant oak tree in the parking lot of an Encino shopping mall should be cut down because it is in “poor and declining condition” and poses a danger to the public.

“It’s a beautiful, healthy tree,” arborist Carolanne Sudderth said.

“I don’t consider this tree a hazard and I don’t think it should be removed,” agreed arborist Robert Wallace.

The valley white oak is among four trees approved for removal by the department. It’s too late for debate in the case of two of them, which were reduced to stumps last week.

A group of nearby residents have sought a second opinion from arborists regarding the health of the remaining oaks, which were originally slated to be removed early this week.

The two trees were granted a reprieve at the request of City Councilman Marvin Braude.

So far, the arborists have examined just one of the two remaining trees. The other is on the north side of Ventura Boulevard, across from the entrance of the Encino Town Center mall at 17200 Ventura Blvd.

Frank Nazarian, who manages the land the trees are on, asked for permission to remove them after his company’s insurer paid $275,000 to a woman who was hospitalized after a limb from one of the trees fell and hit her in 1991.

But Nazarian said he hopes that there is alternative to cutting them down.

“I’m all for it,” he said. “If someone is willing to take responsibility then we’ll keep the trees.”

Cindy Miscikowski, Braude’s planning deputy, said the independent arborists reports would be forwarded to the public works department for consideration.