US /

Vegas Tree Chopper Sought Better View of Strip

Saw-wielding retiree could face 35 years
By Daniel Kibblesmith,  Newser User
Posted Dec 5, 2007 10:44 PM CST
Vegas Tree Chopper Sought Better View of Strip
   (Getty Images)

A retiree convicted of killing 500 trees in a Las Vegas suburb was trying to better his view of the famous Strip, the Los Angeles Times reports. Douglas Hoffman, 60, was found guilty last month of felling $250,000 worth of mesquite and other trees over the course of a year, and he could face 35 years in prison.

The amateur landscaper had complained about the growing trees from a new retirement community that sat between his home and the legendary Sin City skyline. With little success in above-board channels, Hoffman took to midnight excursions—and was eventually caught saw-handed. The so-called "arborcide" has caught the attention of booming Clark County, home to some of the world's most opulent casinos. (More trees stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X