Palomar Mountain News

Last week I got a call from Miguel Garcia. He and Noe Fuentes are a pleasure to deal with, Certified Arborists and Utility Forester Contractors with Davey Tree. Davey Tree has the contract with SDGE to map and tag any standing dead or dying trees stump that SDG&E cut and left in the past. The plan is to finish the job and put these tall stumps down with 8 inches max on the tall side. They are starting on the Birch Hill and Crestline side of the mountain this year.

They asked my help in providing contact info for some of the property owners. A signature from property owners is needed giving permission. If you want the wood, they will leave it for you, or you can ask for the wood to go away. A couple of the trees that had been topped are oaks and still look okay. Davey will put the trees on the ground for you since they show signs of ‘cavities’, cracks, the GSOB, or loose bark. You may choose to keep them. It is up to you. Nothing will be cut without your permission.

It was a couple of interesting hours, well-spent.

How does this benefit YOU? Two ways:

1. Did you know one of the Cleveland National Forest safety regulations include leaving no stumps taller than 8 inches on the tall side? Most of these dead or dying stumps are about 30 feet high.
2. Did you know on the Cal Fire annual inspection reports, it mentions having no standing dead or dying trees? Please see photo of their form that is also provided at: https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/hardening-your-home/
3. Did you know if you plan to sell your home eventually, you may need to have these dead or dying trees taken down? If required, the work needs to be done by you, at your expense, either prior to close of escrow, or the buyer needs to agree to have the work done within 30 days at their expense.

The work that Miguel and Noe are setting up is to be done at NO COST. They are working together with Stan Hill and the Dead and Dying Tree Grant that has begun on Birch Hill and Crestline. Stan has taken on the responsibility for repurposing the wood that is to go away. The wood will be offered to the people of Palomar.

If you would like to get in touch with Miguel his cell is 619-907-5958

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor and tour guide for Davey Tree

760-533-1742