Change rules on tree trimming




Several years ago I was awakened by a loud crash at 3 a.m. Upon inspection, I discovered a large bough, weighing at least a ton, from one of my five numbered oak trees had split off at the main trunk and smashed into the corner of the roof next to a bedroom.

Fortunately the damage to the house was light, but even a deviation of a few feet could have resulted in injury or death to a sleeping occupant.

My point is simply that the oaks growing in this area are not of the “mighty” variety which strong ships are made, but, like most woods growing in Mediterranean climates, they’re weak, pithy and prone to breakage.

Now I love trees, but I’m also a realist, and I offer the following observations as a basis for discussion.

People are fearful of even pulling a leaf off of one of these protected trees in light of the potential fines. The 2-inch diameter self-trim rule on branches actually is the biggest contributor to poor tree health in this area.

This is purely a rule designed to satisfy some flower arranger’s idea of preservation.

These are heavy trees, not flowers, and this rule only promotes the development of longer, thicker branches which, from an engineering viewpoint, means a heavy unsustainable cantilevered load. Translation: the tree splits and falls. This is a regular occurrence in nature, but it’s made very much worse by this silly rule.

Driving around our fair community I’ve noticed falling and leaning trees threatening buildings, cars and individuals. I’ve been amazed to observe utility lines running along Thousand Oaks Boulevard tenuously supporting the weight of trees for years. Where are the city people on this?

In my opinion the city should do all it can to promote appreciation of trees, but useless ordinances are not the way to go.

Frankly I don’t think the community has any legal right to tell people what they can do with their trees.

Trees grow in size and weight continuously and that involves dangerous consequences for people and property around them. Ron Goodman Westlake Village