During the July 18, 2023 City Council meeting, City Council voted on the final design for the John D. Spreckels Lawn Bowling Green Turf Replacement Project. The approved design included removing four Canary Island Pine trees along D Avenue adjacent to the Lawn Bowling Green, due to the live tree roots supporting subterranean fungal growth that was continuously damaging the Lawn Bowling Green playing surface.
As part of the same motion, staff was directed to return at a later date with tree options to replace the removed trees - while not impacting the Lawn Bowling Green surface. Under a separate motion, a majority of the City Council voted to remove one Torrey Pine tree in light of its lean, low live crown ratio, suppression of adjacent trees, and proximity of roots to the Bowling Green.
On July 25, 2023, a motion for “Reconsideration of a Matter upon Which the City Council has Voted” was placed on the upcoming August 15 City Council agenda to reconsider the July 18 vote on the removal of the four Canary Island Pine trees.
BACKGROUND
The John D. Spreckels lawn bowling green was installed in 2010. With an average life expectancy of 10 years, it was determined it was time for the turf to be replaced. Lawn Bowling Club members and City staff worked in partnership to design the replacement system, which includes redirecting nuisance water away from the green, and subbase contaminant mitigation and management actions for the subterranean fungus that was damaging the turf, in addition to the turf system replacement itself. Replacing the turf will allow for another decade of play at the Lawn Bowling Green, which is a World Bowls accredited facility.
The City manages over 9,000 public trees and is dedicated to the health and longevity of the City’s diverse urban forest for future generations to enjoy. The City follows its Street Tree Master Plan, which outlines the City’s plan for management of its urban forest, including a list of approved street trees.
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