Beverly Hills Moves to Remove Infected Palm Trees

Council to take down four Phoenix palms to stop spread of Fusarium wilt disease.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Georges River Council in Beverly Hills, California will remove four Phoenix palm trees from the center island on King Georges Road after they were found to be infected with Fusarium wilt, a deadly palm tree disease that spreads easily. The removal work will take place overnight on March 9-10 to minimize disruptions, and the council plans to replace the trees as part of a wider planting program in the coming months.

Why it matters

Fusarium wilt is a serious disease that can quickly kill palm trees if left unchecked. By proactively removing the infected trees, the council is taking steps to protect the surrounding palm population and prevent the disease from spreading further through the community.

The details

The four Phoenix palm trees on the center island of King Georges Road in Beverly Hills have been diagnosed with Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease that blocks the tree's ability to move water, causing it to weaken and die. Early signs include browning fronds starting from the bottom and stiff, rather than drooping, leaves. To stop the disease from spreading, the infected trees must be removed quickly and with strict hygiene measures.

  • The tree removal work will take place on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10, starting at 9:00 PM each night and concluding by 5:00 AM.
  • In May and June 2026, the council will plant 111 new trees as part of a wider planting program across Georges River.

The players

Georges River Council

The local government authority responsible for managing public spaces and infrastructure in the Beverly Hills area, including overseeing the removal of the infected palm trees and the subsequent replanting program.

Elise Borg

The mayor of Georges River Council, who stated that the tree removal is necessary to protect the community and nearby healthy palm trees from the spread of Fusarium wilt.

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What they’re saying

“The removal of these palms is necessary to protect our community and stop the spread of a serious tree disease.”

— Elise Borg, Mayor of Georges River Council (Mirage News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proactive measures to address the spread of tree diseases in urban areas, as well as the need for coordinated efforts between local governments and communities to maintain a healthy and sustainable urban forest.