Tree Removal in Balboa Island, CA

Tree removal on Balboa Island is mostly about access. The island was built from sand and silt that W.S. Collins dredged from the bay around 1908, and it was laid out in a grid of small lots and narrow streets. A standard lot is 30 by 85 feet, so a palm or ficus in the side yard often stands within a few feet of two houses, a fence and the alley.

Planning around 30-foot lots

On a lot that narrow there is rarely room to fell anything, even a small tree. Most work is done in sections: a climber or lift removes the canopy piece by piece, and limbs are lowered on ropes instead of dropped. We look at where a chipper or truck can park, whether the alley is the only way in, and how to keep debris off neighbors' patios. Summer brings close to 10,000 renters to the island, so we try to schedule work when streets and parking are less crowded.

Palm trimming

Palms are common in island yards because they fit narrow spaces. They still need regular care:

• Remove dead and hanging fronds before they fall on a walkway or roof.
• Cut off seed and flower stalks, which drop fruit and attract pests.
• Leave the green fronds above horizontal. Stripping a palm down to a few fronds at the top weakens it.

We use ladders or lifts on short palms and climbing gear on tall ones, and we never use climbing spikes on a palm we are only trimming, because the wounds do not heal.

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Removals near seawalls and foundations

Balboa Island's seawall was rebuilt in 1922, the Grand Canal bulkhead went to concrete in 1929 and the Bay Front bulkhead was completed in 1938. Trees planted close to these walls or to older foundations can push roots where they are not wanted. When a tree has to come out, we usually remove it in pieces and grind the stump. We can also cut the stump flush and leave the roots in place when grinding near a wall or utility line is not wise.

Marine Avenue trees

The trees along Marine Avenue are on the City's Landmark Tree list in Council Policy G-1. They belong to the City, so we do not trim them. Your own yard trees are fair game, and island lots benefit from small, well-placed trees that are kept in proportion to the house.

Living with salt and wind

The island sits in the middle of Newport Harbor with water on every side. Salt spray and steady afternoon breezes are hard on some species. A tree health care visit checks for leaf scorch, scale insects and root problems from poor drainage on the sandy fill. Call (949) 740-0499 and tell us your street and the type of tree.