Widespread tree destruction gives rise to many theories

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005 | 8:41 a.m.

Vandalism that has destroyed hundreds of trees in Sun City Anthem and neighboring communities now has a price tag approaching $200,000, officials said.

The recent destruction of about 250 trees along parkways marked the fourth time in nearly a year that someone has vandalized trees in the Henderson development.

Henderson Police say that new information has been developed, but decline to say whether they have any suspects.

Residents, frustrated about losing trees in the desert landscape, have not been shy in forwarding theories to police on possible motives.

While some say mischievous teens may be behind the vandalism, two theories floated by residents suggest that one or more adults may be responsible.

Under one theory, one or more residents may dislike the trees because they block mountain views -- the trees are only two to four inches in diameter but up to 12 feet high.

A second theory ties in with an ongoing legal battle between some homebuyers and the subdivisions Solera at Anthem and Anthem Highlands, built by Pulte Homes.

Dozens of homebuyers sued Pulte and others in District Court, claiming they sustained financial losses -- in some cases in excess of $100,000 -- when Pulte lowered home prices in October 2004.

Pulte officials have suggested the crime may be motivated by a personal issue with the landscaping design in the Anthem community.

"There is a lot of speculation out there, some of it bizarre, but it's pure speculation," said Dea McDonald, Pulte vice president of land development. "I truly don't know what motivates someone to do this kind of damage in our community. It is unheard of and unbelievable it continues to happen."

Las Vegas attorney Tom Mehesan, who filed the lawsuit, said he cannot imagine any of his clients cutting down trees to get back at the builder.

"They are not hurting Pulte, but the homeowners association that has to pay for the trees," Mehesan said. "That doesn't make any sense. They would be cutting off their nose to spite their face."

A majority of the affected trees are on Anthem Council property. The cost will be distributed evenly among the more than 12,000 homes in the Anthem master plan through homeowner association fees.

"There is no understanding of this, only possible theories," Dave Weil, Sun City Anthem Community Association president, said. "Until we have the person caught, we don't know what the motives are."

The first vandalism occurred in November 2004 when about 65 trees were cut. In February about 140 trees were cut over a two-week period, including some that were replacement trees. Several trees were cut in July, and 250 were cut in at least two incidents between Oct. 8 and 12, officials said.

Favil West, Sun City Anthem Community Association secretary-treasurer, said the saw used appears to be battery operated, which are quieter and helps explain why no one has heard any noise during the nighttime cuttings.

West subscribes to the theory that someone or some people are upset with their views being blocked. He said he does not believe teens are responsible.

"What good would a teenager get from running around and cutting trees?" West said. "That wouldn't be very fun."

McDonald said a private investigator has been hired and will share information with the police, who said they patrol the area at night when possible. Sun City Anthem has a volunteer patrol and is considering installing security cameras.

Since February, the Anthem Council has offered a $10,000 reward to help solve the case.

Brian Wargo can be reached at 259-4011 or at wargo@lasvegassun.com.