The Venice Stakeholders Association is initiating a project this week to expand tree wells of 30-year-old Italian Stone Pines on Grand Boulevard and Riviera Avenue at the Venice Post Office.
About 30 years ago, over 200 residents and TreePeople volunteers, led by Jim Murez, Ed Barger and Ryavec, planted the 21 pines. The VSA watered, trimmed and thinned the pines over the years.
“The current tree wells, at just over 4 feet by 4 feet, are strangling these magnificent trees, which were planted by the original Venice Action Committee,” said Mark Ryavec, president of the VSA.
The tree wells will be expanded to a planned 7 feet by 10 feet, similar to the widening of tree wells on Windward by Los Angeles city workers 10 years ago.
“We have been told by two landscape architects that the small wells are strangling the trees and could eventually kill them,” Ryavec said. “Imagine if your tie is too tight around your neck, leading you to gasp for breath. In the case of the pines, they are being deprived of adequate nutrients to grow to their full potential.”
According to the VSA, Vencie city officials have been unwilling to fund the widening of the tree wells on Grand and Riviera. The VSA raised funds from residents and businesses to complete the project.
Parking along Grand and Riviera will be barred during the day to allow demolition contractors to work on each tree site, and the sidewalk will be closed to pedestrians.