EDITORIAL

They are a wealthy resident’s worst nightmare. The topic of endless

debates at city meetings. The cause of action in countless lawsuits and

the center of many a neighborhood spat.

Trees.

Yep, those leafy things we like to have around for shade, fruit and,

well, the air we breathe, are -- believe it or not -- a never-ending

source of controversy in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

Just recently, a woman in Cameo Highlands was ordered by a court to

fell the tree behind her house because its leafy branches reportedly

destroyed a neighbor’s view.

But the latest battle with Mother Nature is in the Costa Mesa

neighborhood surrounding Canyon Park, which is on the border of

Huntington Beach. Residents say the pesky eucalyptus planted in the park

beneath their homes will someday grow too tall, blocking their vistas of

the glistening Pacific.

Because the city of Costa Mesa put the trees there in the first place

(What were they thinking? Trees? In a park?), neighbors are asking that

officials come up with a solution to the problem.

They did, and it was presented to the City Council this week. We

appreciate the thoughtful measures proposed in the plan that recognize

the value of the trees at Canyon Park. Those include only removing 1% of

the park’s 3,400 trees each year, waiting until three years after a new

tree is planted before axing an old one and not disturbing the

environment at all between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31 of each year, when birds of

prey typically nest there.

But council members quickly realized that even their brilliant plan

wasn’t foolproof. The proposed replacement trees -- California live oaks

and sycamores -- could, possibly, grow tall enough to block their ocean

views, too.

So what’s the solution? Residents say the council should just scrap

the tree idea altogether and replace the gentle giants with

closer-to-the-ground shrubs and bushes.

Sadly, a little tough love may be in order.

While we hope the city -- or someone -- can figure out a way to

protect the views of residents, at some point it’s important to remember

that this is a park.

And that’s a place where trees belong.