In response to a request to investigate root damage of a Ficus tree at 687 2^nd Street from the business owner at this location, the Public Works Department requested a tree observation report from West Coast Arborist in November 2022. The December 2022 report concluded that the Ficus tree has limited structural roots that support the tree.  Furthermore, the tree’s root system has impacted the foundation of adjacent structures. Per report findings, the removal of these roots would substantially increase the likelihood of a tree failure hazard (such as the tree falling over from a storm event).  These findings were confirmed with the City Arborist.

The City Arborist recommends removal of the tree since mitigation options to reduce the associated risk are not viable should removal of the tree’s remaining roots occur. With the exception of three remaining roots, located approximately eight feet east of the tree, the tree has no remaining structural roots to a depth of four feet on the tree’s eastern side (building side), which is required to keep the tree’s stability. Some of the tree’s roots have been removed systematically over the last several years to mitigate and minimize structural damage to adjacent building(s). The remaining roots were previously left in place due to concerns related to the structural integrity of the tree. Between 2016 and 2020, a mixture of 30 and 18-inch-deep plastic root barriers and some root-inhibiting bio-barrier were introduced to redirect the roots away from the building, but this method was not successful. Due to ongoing damage to the building, direction was provided by the City to remove the remaining roots and eliminate the ongoing root impacts. Consequently, the tree will have no remaining roots to a depth of four feet on its eastern side, resulting in a high likelihood of failure. Due to the species, branching structure, and overall tree size, mitigation through pruning will not reduce the risk associated with removal of the roots.

For awareness, this tree was presented as an informational item at the January 26 Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC) meeting with no objections.  The anticipated removal of the tree will be the week of February 20, which accounts for public noticing and contractor availability. Per notice requirements, when a tree is scheduled for removal, the City follows a 14-day notification process. All trees approved for removal will be posted at the tree site and on the City’s website. The City Arborist’s team will be taking notification a step further by going door to door within the surrounding area of Second Street talking with the nearby businesses prior to the removal.  In accordance with Chapter 7.5 Street Tree Concept Plan of the Encinitas Municipal code, the tree will be replaced within one week, with a 24- to 36- in box oak tree that is suitable for the location.

Additional Information: 

The City of Encinitas has an extensive Urban Forest Management Program to maintain the wellness of public trees within Encinitas and is committed to preserving trees for the enjoyment and environmental health of everyone. The City has a dedicated City Arborist and an Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC), which is composed of members of the community with interest and expertise in urban forestry. These individuals are regularly consulted when matters of tree maintenance and related safety arise in the community. In particular, when trees become a threat to public safety, several measures are taken into consideration when determining how to handle trees that pose such an issue. Furthermore, the City has an Urban Forest Management Program Administrative Manual of Procedures, which describes the criteria for determining if a tree warrants removal.

For any questions, please contact the City Arborist, Chris Kallstrand at ckallstrand@encinitasca.gov.