Balboa’s Ficus Trees Stay, for Now
Siding with local arborists, an Orange County Superior Court judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the removal of 25 aging ficus trees that have buckled sidewalks and invaded sewer lines in Balboa Village.
Judge Ronald L. Bauer ordered Newport Beach not to touch the trees along Main Street until a Sept. 16 hearing.
The temporary restraining order could slow the city’s $2.8-million street improvement plan in Balboa, which depends on removing the tall, bushy trees.
The tree roots are blamed for cracking sidewalks, damaging the foundations of some buildings and blocking sewer lines.
Local residents sued to halt the tree removal and urged the city to find alternatives, such as pruning.
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