Tree removal delayed by rain

Plans to cut down a large palm tree on the 4600 block of Palm Drive as early as Friday have been postponed due to wet weather.

Gonzalo Venegas, the city’s facilities and maintenance superintendent, said the 50-foot tall California palm is infected with the mushroom-like ganoderma fungus, which eventually will damage the tree’s ability to remain standing and could spread to neighboring palms if the tree is not removed.

Another palm that had become infected was removed last year. The city plans later this year to replace that tree and the one set for removal.

Venegas said the tree removal is also pending discussions with the property’s owner.

The city has not established a new removal date, wanting first to develop a plan to limit impacts on traffic along Palm Drive.