Parks commission approves removal of 90-foot Canary Island pine; denies multiple other street-tree removal requests

The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission on March 26 approved the removal of a large Canary Island pine at 1935 East Las Tunas Road, citing structural concerns and the tree’s proximity to a high-voltage line, while denying or deferring a series of other removal requests after hearing staff reports, applicant testimony and an outside arborist assessment.

Commissioners said the Las Tunas tree — described by staff as “probably all of 90 feet” — posed a safety risk because three long, co‑dominant stems above a historical topping wound were weakly attached and created a long lever arm toward power lines. Brett Volpe, the city’s street tree supervisor, told the commission the Street Tree Advisory Committee had inspected the site and recommended removal, saying “the principles of good forest management would be upheld by that decision.”

Why it matters: the commission repeatedly balanced immediate public‑safety concerns, private‑property impacts and the city’s broader urban‑forest goals. Several applicants argued roots and repeated sidewalk or foundation repairs justified removal, while commissioners and staff urged mitigation, replacement planting or further coordination with public‑works crews.

Votes at a glance: - 1935 East Las Tunas Road (Canary Island pine): approved for removal (motion approved). - 1459 Crestline Drive (two Indian laurel fig, Ficus…