February 12, 2024
Mr. Brad Raulston
Town Manager
Town of Yountville
6550 Yount St.
Yountville, CA 94599
Dear Sir.
My husband and I live across the street from a huge Coast Redwood tree that stands in front of the house at 6750 Jefferson Street, owned by Christine and Bryan Lilienthal. Our address is 67 49 Jefferson Street. I am reaching out to you today to express my serious concern regarding this tree, which is currently leaning towards my property. With the upcoming storm season, I am increasingly worried about the potential threat this tree poses to my home; my family's safety, and the general public.
This is particularly concerning because of the inherent instability of single Redwood trees. The leaning Redwood in question lacks the natural support system provided by a grove, making It susceptible to strong winds and heavy rains. This condition is exacerbated by its shallow root system and evidence that its roots have been compromised by traffic on Jefferson Street.
Given the size and potential reach of a falling Redwood, this poses a substantial risk to any nearby properties, including my own, and to public safety.
During the recent storm, a large branch broke off this tree and landed right near our car parked in front of our house on February 4th {see Group 1 photos attached). I was walking in the area not long before this happened and could have been seriously hurt, Each time we have heavy rain and wind we wonder if this is when the tree will come down or a large branch will land on our house. We appreciate the survey markers monitoring the lean of the tree but this does not monitor large branches about to fall. Also, Redwood trees do not gradually fall. they fall suddenly and unpredictably so t he monitoring markers are somewhat futile. The tree is dangerous and needs to come down before someone gets killed. It is a nice looking tree but it is not appropriate for its location. Our neighbors agree that it should be removed.
The Lilienthals also had a large branch land on the wires in their yard which caused damage during the storm (see Group 2 photos attached). Some branches were pruned 2 years ago with little effect - nothing had been done for years before that. The roots have displaced the Lilienthal's fence over the years as well.
I would appreciate it if you could take this matter seriously and have the tree removed.
Sincere'Yp l!w)JJc,.,
~rtena{is
Q;rian and Christine Lilienthal
Mayor Marjorie Mohler
Vice Mayor Hillery Bolt Trippe
Councillor Eric Knight Councillor Robin McKee-Cant Councillor Pam Reeves MU_3464J
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