http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/under-the-dome/Trees-getting-cut-back-fo\
r-sake-of-advertising-43917777.html

Trees getting cut back for sake of advertising

04/28/09 3:37 PM

The potential death of city trees, in the name of art and
advertising, will be the topic of discussion this evening at
the Urban Forestry Council.

Trees blocking billboards have had their tops lopped off in
order to allow motorists a better look the advertisements,
oftentimes illegally and in the dead of night, according to
tree advocates and The City's Bureau of Urban Forestry.

San Francisco has a public-works ordinance protecting street
trees from being trimmed excessively or taken down entirely.
But word is that the trimmings have increased recently, and
the council could take steps to raise the fine for cutting
street trees without a permit.

Tree advocates are also concerned that an exhibit by artist
Patrick Dougherty could harm the trees in the Civic Center
Plaza, and a March 31 arborist report seems to validate those
worries.

The exhibit includes 18,000 pounds of freshly cut willow
saplings interwoven in the sycamore treetops in the center.
The arborist's report calls for the immediate removal of the
exhibit because it could not only cause the Sycamores to tumble
in high winds but also prevents them from getting all the sun
they should.

The Urban Forestry Council is expected to make a recommendation
about the art exhibit to The City's Arts Commission Tuesday at
6 p.m.