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Parks commission to remove hazardous trees near Mar Vista playground; approves heritage-tree nomination
Summary
Commissioners agreed to remove a cluster of trees near the Mar Vista playground after an arborist found them hazardous, discussed City Hall replacement plantings, and voted to recommend a private redwood for the heritage-tree program.
The Normandy Park Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend a private redwood for the city's heritage-tree program and discussed imminent removals of a cluster of trees near the Mar Vista playground after repeated limb failures.
Staff told the commission that one cluster of five trunks near the playground has shed several large limbs this winter and that an arborist recommended removing three connected trunks closest to the play area because they present an ongoing safety risk. "The arborist recommended doing that because they're starting to have more problems and it's so close to the playground that it's a potential issue for us if we lose more branches," a staff member said.
Commissioners and staff discussed logistics and timing: staff said crews are likely to remove the designated trees within about a week and that fence repairs will follow because the fallen limbs have damaged the playground fence. Commissioners emphasized the safety rationale and communication with neighbors, and asked staff to post notices so the public understands why the trees will be removed.
The commission also considered replacement planting at City Hall: staff circulated a small-and-medium species list and commissioners discussed options including dogwood, serviceberry (native), ginkgo and vine maple. Commissioners favored selecting two to four species from the small and medium lists, collecting photos and growth-habit examples, and returning with a short list so plantings can occur in the fall.
On a separate item, the commission recommended that the city council approve a heritage-tree nomination submitted by residents Lauren and Ritchie for a large redwood on 4th Avenue SW. Staff said the city arborist inspected the tree and estimated it at approximately 114 feet tall with a potential age of about 68 years. A commissioner moved to support the nomination and the motion was seconded; the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote.
The meeting agenda and minutes for prior meetings were also approved earlier in the session. The commission adjourned at about 8:27 p.m. and will next meet on April 15.
