Residents and commissioners urge review of tree‑trimming contract after pruning leaves mature trees damaged

Public comment and commissioners’ remarks at the June 11 Costa Mesa Parks and Community Services Commission meeting focused heavily on tree health after residents presented photos of what they described as improper, aggressive pruning.

Florence (Flo) Martin used a slideshow to document mature street and civic trees she says were over‑pruned with a technique commonly called "lion's tail," leaving inner branches stripped and canopies reduced. "They no longer look good...they don't provide shade," Martin said while showing multiple photos of Fair Drive and the city hall frontage.

Several commissioners responded by raising the issue in their remarks and asking staff to examine the city's pruning contract and practices. Commissioner Garcia Aros emphasized tree health as a commission priority and proposed an agenda item in the fall focused on prioritizing care for existing canopy, not only planting new trees. Commissioner Dorn Parker urged converting the canopy study into an actionable plan for canopy deserts and private‑property partnerships.

Staff response and next steps: Parks staff acknowledged concerns, confirmed the city arborist has been asked to review specific damaged trees (including a report about a rapidly declining specimen at Shalomar Park) and said public‑works staff will follow up with contractors. Acting Director Monnique Benor said staff will work with the commission to bring tree‑health options back for future agenda consideration.

Related environmental concern: Christian Sutello, a resident and longtime park user, asked the commission to investigate alleged herbicide use by county agencies at waterside habitats and to discourage the practice; he cited potential harm to nesting birds and asked the commission to coordinate with county supervisors. Commissioners acknowledged the county‑level jurisdiction and encouraged staff to gather information and notify the appropriate county offices.

Context: Commissioners noted the city intends to plant 250 trees this year as part of an anniversary program but stressed that maintaining and protecting existing mature trees is equally important. Several commissioners recommended a multi‑year action plan that includes auditing contractor practices, conducting a field triage of at‑risk trees, and pursuing private‑property partnerships to address canopy deserts.

Commission direction: Staff was asked to (1) follow up with the city arborist and public works about the specific damaged trees raised in public comment, (2) evaluate the trimming contractor and contract performance, and (3) prepare an agenda item for the commission this fall to consider tree health priorities and possible policy changes.