Beverly Hills City Council Approves Eucalyptus Trees Removal

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The Beverly Hills City Council has approved the removal of eucalyptus trees, leading to new tree plantings.

News Summary

The Beverly Hills City Council has approved the removal of 70 eucalyptus trees on Willaman Drive due to concerns from residents about harmful sap and pests. The decision, supported by a majority of property owners, aims to improve the environment and aesthetic of the area. A majority of residents favored replacing the eucalyptus with crape myrtle trees, leading to a project estimated at $200,000, which includes both removal and planting costs. Council discussions reflected residents’ preferences for a uniform tree species despite concerns over seasonal leaf loss.

Beverly Hills City Council Approves Removal of Eucalyptus Trees

The Beverly Hills City Council approved the removal of 70 eucalyptus trees on Willaman Drive on June 3, 2023. This decision followed concerns raised by residents regarding the harmful sap and insects associated with the eucalyptus trees, which have been detrimental to the surrounding environment and property.

The eucalyptus trees, as noted by the city’s Arborist Ken Pfalzgraf, have been struggling to thrive over the years due to repeated replacements. The sap that oozes from the trees is known for being particularly hard to clean off cars and homes. Additionally, it attracts rhinoceros beetles, which inflict damage on the trees’ foliage, creating further concerns for property owners.

In 2024, a majority of property owners on North Willaman Drive formally petitioned the city to remove the trees, a request that garnered support from property owners along South Willaman Drive. Following this, the city held several meetings with residents to discuss potential tree replacements and sought input through surveys concerning their preferences for new tree species.

Survey Results Highlight Community Preferences

A total of 71 residential addresses on Willaman Drive were surveyed, with a commendable response rate of 61% (43 responses). Among those who participated, a striking 91% favored the replacement of the existing eucalyptus trees. Additionally, 84% expressed a preference for a uniform tree species to be planted instead of alternating species.

When it came to specific tree options, 54% of respondents preferred crape myrtle trees over alternatives like Australian willow and holly oak. Crape myrtles are known for being deciduous, shedding all their leaves each fall, while both Australian willow and holly oak are evergreen and maintain their leaves throughout the year. Residents were made aware that the crape myrtles would be leafless for part of the year, a factor that some council members found concerning.

Council Discussion and Concerns

During discussions, Councilman Lester Friedman and Mayor Sharona Nazarian acknowledged potential worries regarding the seasonal loss of leaves and flowers associated with crape myrtles. However, they also supported the replacement initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the desires expressed by residents. The city’s commitment to keeping the public informed about the seasonal nature of the selected trees played a key role in their endorsement.

Budget and Financial Considerations

The tree removal and replacement project is estimated to cost around $200,000. This budget includes approximately $95,500 allocated for the removal of the trees and $105,000 designated for the planting of the new crape myrtle trees.

No public comments were recorded during the tree replacement process, indicating a largely supportive stance among residents regarding the council’s decision. The planned removal of the eucalyptus trees and subsequent replanting are seen as steps towards enhancing the community’s aesthetics and fostering a healthier urban environment.