City arborist talks trees

GLENDALE — The city’s Park Services Manager William McKinley discussed city and community efforts to preserve trees in Glendale while making room for incoming development in a presentation to members of Crescenta Valley Heritage Monday at the Montrose Library.

Oak, Bay and Sycamore trees are currently protected by the city, thus developers and homeowners often build around trees when adding on to or putting in new structures, McKinley said.

“[Trees are] important to our environment, our ecology and the character of our community,” he said.

McKinley, a certified arborist, showed photos of protected trees and trees that had been damaged in the city, as well as photos of homes where trees had been preserved.

“It’s our job as foresters to educate the public on how important it is to have trees on their property,” he said.

Redesigning homes around protected trees in the area can also add aesthetic value, he said.

“It lends character and beauty to a house that you wouldn’t get in your average project,” he said.

Some attendees of the meeting were concerned over how trees were being preserved in the city.

“Compared to other cities we’re doing OK, but the interpretation of the law [when dealing with trees] is sometimes very capricious,” said Mike Mohill of Glendale.

Attendee Michael Morgan was also concerned about the way trees have been preserved in the city.

“I don’t think they’ve been preserved well at all,” he said. “I’ve seen more oak trees cut down here than I have ever heard of.”

McKinley noted that there were fines imposed by law for the improper management or cutting down of protected city trees.

There is a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000, in addition to an added fine to be assessed by city officials based on what the tree was worth to the community and how much damage was done to it, he said.

These fines also apply to the improper pruning of protected trees.

McKinley suggested that if the audience desired, they should get in contact with local officials and voice their concerns about tree protection.

“I think there has been progress made, but like most things, it can be definitely improved upon,” said attendee David Meyers.