Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) will be removing unhealthy trees along O’Neill Drive. Earlier this year, arborist consultants with O’Connell Landscape and Mosaic Consulting identified trees to be removed.
This week Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) will be removing unhealthy trees along O’Neill Drive. Earlier this year, arborist consultants with O’Connell Landscape and Mosaic Consulting identified 187 trees for removal. This included 179 Tristania, two Sumac, and six Sycamore trees that were in various stages of death or significant declining health, leaning heavily and posing safety concerns. All of the trees identified for removal are located along high-traffic areas. Three arborists recommended the removal of the trees and LARMAC’s decision to remove the unhealthy trees was based on their expert advice and guidance.
LARMAC and its arborist consultants have been studying Tristania trees in the community, which in many cases have performed poorly in Ladera Ranch. With years of continued drought conditions, use of reclaimed water and presence of clay soils, the decline of these sensitive trees has accelerated over time.
Another lingering issue has been the infestation of the shot hole borer (beetle) that led to the decision to remove the Sycamore trees.
Safety Risks: Unstable trees and those with girdled root systems are susceptible to falling over in the wind. Every tree that tagged for removal was located in high-traffic areas for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Replanting Trees: The developer’s landscape design for Ladera Ranch includes a dense urban forest and LARMAC’s goal is to preserve that design vision. The trees that are being removed, represent a safety risk and are not contributing positively to the overall aesthetics of the community. LARMAC looks forward to replanting trees that are more suitable for the community’s environment today and that will thrive for many years to come.
Stephanie Jebbia, Assistant General Manager notes, “Once the unhealthy trees have been removed, LARMAC and arborist consultants will reevaluate the areas and develop a plan to replant trees where appropriate. We look forward to replanting the street areas with trees more suitable to alkaline soil conditions. A great deal of thought will be placed on identifying the replacement tree species and overall theme.”
For project updates, visit LaderaLife.com/YourHOAatWork
