Torrey Pine in La Mesa
Question from Amira:
Hello Pat, I live in La Mesa, CA, and our neighbors have two massive (70-80 ft) Torrey Pines dangerously leaning on our house. We have a letter from a botanist claiming the trees are a hazard to our home, as well as a nuisannce to our property with thousands of pine cones and pine needles dropped on our property every single day. We are willing to pay for them to be cut down, but we were wondering if a permit was required in order to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Answer from Pat:
Many cities nationwide have tree ordinances. The wise way to go is to phone your city, La Mesa, and ask about the tree ordinance that applies to your property.
I highly doubt that there is an ordinance in La Mesa that prohibits the cutting down of Torrey pines in La Mesa, especially if they are a hazard, but I don’t know that for a fact. It is always wise to find out before proceeding. Also, good tree removal companies usually know when a permit is required for tree removal, but it’s always wise for homeowners to be armed with the correct information from the city involved.
Thank you so much for the advice. Very much appreciated!
I live near La Mesa and use Torrey pine needles for weaving baskets. Would you be willing to give me the location of the trees so I could collect some needles from the ground? It would save me the drive to Del Mar to collect them. Thanks. Lorraine
I certainly would be willing to give you the location of Torrey pine trees if I knew of their locations in interior zones. I agree that Torrey pine needles are the very best ones for basket-making. Indeed, the Luiseno Indians used them this way. (Incidentally, I use the term “Indians” partly because I was born and brought up in England and English people adore American Indians. But also because on a trip following the Lewis and Clark trail from St. Louis to the coast of Oregon, a “Native American” scholar and lecturer said to our group, “Please don’t call us Native Americans! I actually prefer the historical name “Indians” even though it began as a case of mistaken identity, but to me that’s an amusing incident in our history. Up here near the Canadian border we think of ourselves as Indians and we like our name.”) But back to baskets and Torrey pines: There are many Torrey pines growing in Del Mar, in Torrey Pines State Park, and along the coast because they are better adapted to coastal conditions. However you will see a few in interior zones and most botanical and display gardens have at least one. As a I drive along roads and highways I am always habitually looking at trees and plants (a somewhat dangerous habit!) Nonetheless, I cannot specifically remember where I have noticed Torrey pines growing in and around La Mesa. I remember the locations of many along the coast. I also have a bunch growing in my own garden. Would you like me to collect some fallen needles and send them to you? I have masses of them in my garden and would be glad to mail a big box of needles to you. Just email me with your address and please note the amount of postage. I will write it somewhere on the box so you can mail me a check. Do you want green ones or brown ones? It will be more difficult for me to reach the green ones. Not sure any of them in my garden are within reach. Another idea: Phone Cuyamaca Botanic Garden and any other botanic gardens in interior zones and see if they have Torrey pines and would they save you some needles?