Historic City News reporters checked on the state-owned plaza, on the west side of Government House, as it was buzzing with city workers this morning; armed with chain saws, heavy equipment and an assignment to rid the park of the invasive “Golden Raintree”.
Mark Knight, Director of the City Planning and Building division, told reporters that he was aware of the work being done.
The Golden Raintree is native to eastern Asia; most commonly found in China and Korea.
Because of the aesthetic appeal of its flowers, leaves and seed pods, the Golden Raintree is popular as an ornamental tree in temperate regions all across the world. The seeds are edible when roasted, but not commonly consumed.
Knight said that in the eastern United States, and particularly in Florida, it is considered an “invasive species” and, therefore, it is exempt from “protected” status. No arborist was required to inspect the trees being cut down, nor was a permit required, Knight said.
A notice published at the site by the University of Florida said:
The Golden Raintree has been designated an invasive exotic plant species in South, Central and Coastal Florida, due to its proliferation of seedlings and ability to crowd out desirable native species.
The University of Florida works diligently to eradicate invasive exotics on its lands and to educate the public about issues involved with planting invasive exotic species.
The Golden Raintrees on this property will he removed this week.
According to definitions in Part II, Chapter 25 of the Code of the City of St. Augustine, an “exempt tree” means any tree described in the following list:
| Latin Name | Common Name |
| Malus spp. | Apple |
| Citrus spp. | Citrus |
| Eucalyptus spp. | Eucalyptus |
| Enterolobium cyclocarpum | Ear tree, elephant ear tree, monkeysoap |
| Koelreuteria paniculata | Golden raintree |
| Parinsonia aculeate | Jerusalem thorn |
| Cupressocyparis leylandii | Leyland cypress |
| Eriobotrya japonica | Loquat |
| Albizia julibrissin | Mimosa |
| Nerium oleander | Oleander |
| Bauhinia spp. | Orchid tree |
| Prunus persica | Peach/Nectarine |
| Photinia x fraseri | Photinia, red tip, red top |
| Prunus angustifolia | Plum |
| Pyrus spp. | Pear |
| Dispyros virginiana | Persimmon |
| Coccoloba unifera | Sea grape |
| Grevillea robusta | Silk oak |
| Ailanthus altissima | Tree of heaven |
| Myrica cerifera | Wax myrtle |
| Salix babylonica | Weeping willow |
| Cornus florida | Dogwood |
Knight also said that there is no tree mitigation requirement when removing exempt trees, he believed, that at some point, the University might replace one or more of the removed trees. If they do, Knight said, they should be of a type indigenous to the area.
Assistant City Manager Tim Burchfield told Historic City News that part of the relationship between the City and the University is an agreement for city personnel to provide certain maintenance and repairs as needed — and then to bill the University for the cost.
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer
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