Some thirty two new saplings planted along Vine Street, between Santa Monica and Sunset were ‘topped’ by vandals in May and may not survive, according to the Sunset and Vine Business Improvement District (BID).
The Jacaranda trees, planted as part of the Sunset and Vine BIDÂ “Green Vine” program were to provide well-needed shade to a stretch of Vine that is seeing increased foot traffic. The project was a partnership between the BID, the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation and the LA Conservation Corps. The BID also contracted a landscape firm to maintain the trees.
The vandals tore the major limbs off the saplings on both the east and west side of the streets and some side streets. It is believed most will not survive the hacking jobs.
Sarah MacPherson Besley, Executive Director of the Sunset & Vine BID, told the Buzz that replacement of the trees won’t be possible until the perpetrators are caught for fear they will strike again. “We have several eyewitnesses who identified two suspects, and we are in the process of investigation. We are determined to replace the trees once we have the suspect or suspects in custody.”
A $1,000 reward is offered for anyone with information that would lead to an arrest in the case. Contact Sarah Besley at the BID or call (323)463-6767.
The trees cost $250 a piece including planning, permitting and planting and took over eight months to put in place. The BID is looking for partnerships to replace new trees back on the thoroughfares as soon as possible, once the tree-vandals are no longer on the street.