Tree near Laguna’s Urth Caffe gets a six-month reprieve
The large eucalyptus tree near the Urth Caffe in Laguna Beach can stay, for now.
A eucalyptus tree near Urth Caffe in Laguna Beach will remain in place for at least six more months.
In an informal vote Tuesday, the City Council agreed to continue monitoring the 50-foot-tall red gum — which city officials considered removing five months ago — near 308 N. Coast Hwy.
In the past few months, the city has taken multiple steps to revive the tree, including injecting it with a chemical to kill its pests and removing excess soil around its roots, according to a staff report.
“These trees are not without risk, so I’m glad to see we’re going to continue to monitor it,” said Councilman Bob Whalen.
Arborist Greg Applegate recommended the tree’s removal last spring after discovering pockets of decay in its trunk and roots crammed into a tight space. Some residents protested the removal and rallied around the eucalyptus, saying it contributes to the area’s landscape.
The tree contains an insect species called lerp psyllids, which sucks nutrients from the leaves, causing them to shed. The species also deprives the tree of energy.
The eucalyptus, which stands in the middle of a sidewalk in the city’s right-of-way along Aster Street, has sprouted new leaves on its lower half.
“The foliage has improved in the lower half of the canopy, but is now significantly more sparse in the top half,” Applegate wrote in a September letter to the city after visiting the site.
Applegate considered deceased lerp psyllids a positive sign, but added that the tree’s roots could still be in danger.
“The continued decline of the upper canopy is an indication of unhealthy, dead, dying or rotting roots,” Applegate said.
In addition, the tree harbors 32- and 21-inch-wide wounds on separate portions of its trunk, according to Applegate’s letter. Applegate speculated that swinging car doors have hit the tree, causing a gash on its side closest to Aster.
Applegate suggested the city not prune the tree until it recovers “much more.” The city should also refrain from injecting chemicals into it for at least two years, he advised.
Injections can kill additional vessels that conduct nutrients, according to Applegate’s report.
If the city notices cracked soil or an “increase in lean,” the tree should be removed as soon as possible, his letter concludes.
The city will monitor the tree and report back to the council in six months if conditions change.
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
