Media

To whom it may concern,

If you see something, say something. You hear that a lot these days. Well, I see a very dangerous situation and I feel a need to say something.

Close to my house are 3 very dangerous trees. The first tree has roots that were cut a few years ago to put in a new sidewalk and driveway. Removing roots deprives a tree of its ability to get nourishment, and lessens its stability, especially in wind. Less of the canopy will bloom, and more deadwood will become visible as the tree decays. Last year the canopy was about 50% dead, and the tree was past the point of no return. This year will likely be worse.

The second tree is a huge oak near the very busy intersection of Rowland Ave. and Shafto St. in Clifton. Last year the canopy never got past 30% bloom. There are large dead limbs in the late stages of decay, ready to fall. The massive 5 ft diameter stump has been lifting the driveway for years, damaging both the driveway and the roots. As if that wasn't enough, this massive dying oak hangs directly over primary power lines.

The third and most dangerous tree is located just a few houses away from the second. It hangs directly over the busy intersection of Rowland Ave. and Shafto St. This double-leader oak has grown so large on one side that it can no longer support its own weight. You can clearly see the two stalks at the base starting to separate — what's called a fall line crack — and I've been watching it for years. This year I noticed the crack start to open, and I knew I had to write this letter. As the crack opens, it puts more weight out on the tips. More weight at the tips means more stress at the base. Add another year's growth and you've got an accident waiting to happen, directly over a very busy intersection.

When trees fall and cause serious injury or death, it's often dismissed as an unforeseen act of God. More often than not, the warning signs were ignored. I see a clear and present danger, and I hope this letter alerts the people who can remedy the situation. Unfortunately, 2 of the 3 trees must be removed. The third could be saved by simply lightening the canopy to take weight off the base.

My name is Randy Lee, and I live on Rowland Ave. in Clifton. I'm a Tree Surgeon with over 40 years experience. These 3 trees are among the most dangerous I've ever seen.