LOWER LAKE >> A blue oak tree in front of the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum will soon be removed because it presents a safety hazard.
Lake County Public Services Director Caroline Chavez has met with county officials on the matter. She told the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27 that the tree “has been in a state of decline for many years.”
Public Services has been aware of the problem for several months. On Sept. 10, arborist Steve Garoutte of Lake Tree Design determined that the oak has deteriorated to the point that approximately one-half the tree is dead.
“We are very concerned that it is dangerous,” Chavez said. “It is a necessity, not a desire.”
According to Garoutte, the condition of the tree is consistent with a malady called Amarillaria mellea, commonly known as oak root fungus. The malady causes dead wood in the visible portions of the tree and root system decay.
“It is my opinion that further decline is inevitable,” Garoutte stated. “Pruning out the dead wood or eliminating the potentially harmful lawn irrigation in the vicinity … will not restore the tree.”
He did not offer any other option.
“I recommend its removal as soon as possible,” Garoutte advised.
An exam was not performed to confirm the presence of the fungus, as the symptoms are consistent with the fungus and would entail removing soil at the tree’s base to examine “the main buttress roots for necrosis and … white mycelial fans, usually accompanied by a very distinct mushroomy odor,” according to Garoutte.
The tree is located in the lower corner of the museum, near the gate, rod iron fence and entrance. Chavez informed the county board that removing it will require traffic control on both Morgan Valley Road, as well as the lane aaccessed through the gate.
Additionally, a crane will needed for the tree’s removal. Which accounts for approximately 50 percent of the projects total cost of $8,000.
Garoutte recommended John Phillips of Northcoast Tree Care for the removal.
According to Chavez, there was no bid process because of “trustworthiness.”
“The issue is not just the removal of the tree,” Chavez said. “There is also the crane and the traffic control.”
In order to reduce the cost of the project, Chavez said wood removal would be done internally, which will save approximately $1,200.
District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington asked if donating the wood to people would be feasible.
County Counsel Anita Grant said the wood can be given to a senior center or similar facility, which can provide the wood to people.
The board unanimously approved the removal of the tree with a 5-0 vote.
During the mid-year budget review, the project will be added to the Public Services budget. In the meantime, Chavez said she will look into options for wood removal and donation.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
