Help Save Our Historic Palm Trees
View of Mission Cliff Gardens Looking South on North Avenue, 1916
Destructive Pest Destroying Palm Trees
The South American Palm Weevil is a destructive pest that is destroying Canary Island Palms throughout San Diego County including University Heights. Just this year, 10 palms have been removed in University Heights because of the weevil.
The weevil lays its eggs in the crown of the tree and once hatched, the larvae feast on the palm’s soft tissue, crippling growth and eventually killing the tree. Insecticide treatments can provide insurance against the weevil, typically an application of insecticide to the crown and injection into the soil.
Historically-Designated Palm Trees at Risk
University Heights is home to many different types of palm trees, including several historically-designated Canary Island Palms located in the public right of way in the 4700 block of Park Boulevard. This was once the southeast entrance to Mission Cliff Gardens established in 1898 by John Spreckels.
Historically-designated Canary Island Palms, 4700 Park Blvd.
We Need Your Help!
The University Heights Historical Society and University Heights Community Association have been working collaboratively to address this issue. Community representatives will present during non-agenda public comment at the next San Diego City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 27 at 9 am. We will be advocating for preventive treatment of these trees by the City of San Diego as soon as possible.
We need your help to accomplish this goal. You can help in two ways:
Provide your comments over the phone during non-agenda public comment by following the instructions here. You will be given 1-2 minutes to speak.
Submit your comments by 5 pm on Monday, October 26th via the City's webform. Maximum 200 words.
Sample City Council Script (143 words)
I live in University Heights where the South American Palm Weevil has infested and destroyed many of our palm trees. Just this year, 10 Canary Island Palms were removed by University Heights because of this pest.
Eight historically-designated Canary Island Palms located in the public right of way in the 4700 block of University Heights are now at risk because of the weevil. These palms once lined the southeast entrance to historic Mission Cliff Gardens, established in 1898 by John Spreckels.
The City has already preventively treated three Canary Island Palm trees In October in the 4600 block of Park Blvd. Requests have been submitted via the Get It Done app to preventively treat the 8 trees located in the 4700 block of Park Blvd.
Please protect our canopy and our community’s history by directing staff to treat our historic Canary Island Palms.
Thank you.