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Board upholds staff decision to preserve one pine at 2714 Preston Drive, allows removal of heavily infested neighbor tree
Summary
After hearing staff analysis and family safety concerns, the Mountain View urban-forestry board declined an appeal to remove both pines at 2714 Preston Drive: it allowed removal of the heavily infested street-facing pine (tree #2) but denied removal of the adjacent pine (tree #1), recommending targeted treatment and monitoring.
The Parks, Recreation and Urban Forestry Board on June 17 upheld staff's recommendation to preserve one of two pines at 2714 Preston Drive while allowing removal of the more heavily infested neighbor.
Forestry staff explained the two trees differed in condition: tree #2 (closer to the street) displayed extensive red turpentine beetle activity and dieback; staff authorized its removal. Tree #1 (a Pinus radiata of about 38 inches diameter) showed only limited beetle strikes and fair structure; staff said targeted chemical treatment and prompt removal of the heavily infested tree could prevent wider infestation and save tree #1. "While we do agree there is beetle activity on the tree and that there is potential for this tree to decline and die, we also felt that the strikes were fresh enough that if that other tree were removed in a timely manner ... the tree could potentially be saved," Forestry Manager Russell Hansen said.
The Steinberg family, which has lived at 2714 Preston Drive for decades, appealed and called for simultaneous removal of both trees on safety grounds. "This very real potential of human tragedy and devastation can be completely eliminated by removing both trees," Richard Steinberg told the board, citing recent dieback and root-bore holes visible on the trunk and surface roots.
Board members toured vantage points and questioned staff about the pests and treatment options. Staff described two treatment approaches: trunk-injection/systemic applications targeted at the beetle, and a more broad-spectrum but higher-risk spray; they also described stump grinding and follow-up treatments to reduce beetle attraction to fresh wood chips.
After deliberation commissioners voted to deny the appellant's request to remove tree #1 and to uphold staff's prior removal authorization for tree #2. The board emphasized that a material change in tree condition (rapid new decline) would allow the homeowner to request expedited reassessment and that staff would fast-track safety-critical determinations.
The board's decision leaves in place staff instructions to remove the heavily infested tree, apply targeted treatments and monitor nearby pines to reduce the chance of spread.
