Recent letters to the Independent about Sun City West trees seem to provide more heat than light. Perhaps the following will be constructive.
The Recreation Centers of Sun City West continue to improve the appearance of the community. Globe shaped orange trees were removed as they became more difficult to trim for volunteer seniors of the PRIDES while standing on loose and slippery decomposed granite slopes.
Many aging cactus and shrubs were removed from medians this spring with the help of the county’s backhoes. Improved replacements should be planted by the PRIDES this fall.
The annual cost of trimming palm trees continues to increase. Many palms are now too tall for economical trimming and require expensive bucket cranes or extensive climbing. Palm tree trimming costs have tripled from $20 to $60 since 2008 and total about $140,000 per year while the number of palm trees trimmed is only gradually decreasing by attrition. Palm tree trimming is estimated at more than two-thirds of the annual tree repair budget.
Fan palms — about 2,100 — are mostly in earlier locations and date palms — about 360 — in later locations. Date palms are more decorative while more disease susceptible. The majority of palm trees are along golf courses where bucket lifts can cause turf damage.
Very tall palm trees provide negligible shade, make the community look old, resemble telephone poles and require water. The association and the county alternate annual palm tree trimming costs along roads and streets.
Removing some of the tallest palm trees each year should decrease future trimming costs. A place to start is the R.H. Johnson miniature golf area. The cost of removal should pay off in 5-10 years.
