Monument Tree

Nellie Gail Ranch Homeowners,

The end of week report is being sent a day early to make you aware that we have been notified by SDG&E that they require drastic reduction of the height of the Sycamore tree behind the Monument Park Monument at Oso and Cabot due to proximity to power lines. The reduction in height will effectively destroy the aesthetics of the tree making it unviable to remain in place. We initially deferred approval but California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) General Order 95, Rule 35 gives SDG&E authority to maintain minimum clearances around high voltage lines. We cannot further decline approval as it puts the Association at risk in event of fire or damage to the power lines that may be caused if the tree fails. The high winds we experienced Wednesday afternoon further heighten our awareness of the potential concerns.

Because this tree has been in place for many years and is iconic to this monument and corner, we wanted to let you know in advance why it is being removed. We have met several times with the SDG&E arborist and the Association’s arborist and have scheduled an additional meeting to review again on-site Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. We will review again the impact of the height reduction /removal and discuss alternatives for a replacement tree(s).

Please know that while we understand why SDG&E is requiring this, and while we recognize they have been very courteous in their notice process, we are saddened at the loss of this tree that has been part of our community for as long as any of us can remember.