The Street Tree Reforestation Program is a proposed multi-year effort to remove selected problematic or declining street trees and replace them with healthy, young appropriate species, as prescribed by the City's "Street Tree Management Plan".

Under guidance of the Environmental Quality Commission, City staff and a consulting arborist are conducting a "pilot" reforestation effort this fall in one neighborhood to evaluate the condition of each street tree, educate and involve residents, and select trees in the worst condition for removal. The pilot reforestation area is bordered by Santa Cruz Avenue, Cotton Street, Valparaiso Avenue and Elder Street. Most of the street trees in this area are liquidambar trees, camphor trees and Modesto ash trees. These species were planted in large numbers at the same time, so they are more susceptible to disease and are likely to decline at the same time. As they age, many have structural problems and pose minor safety problems. Most of the trees are now nearing the end of their natural life expectancy. In order to maintain a variety of healthy trees of differing ages and sizes throughout the city over the long term, declining or problematic street trees such as these need to be gradually and selectively removed and replaced with appropriate species.

A portion of the trees in the pilot area that were given the worst condition rating by the arborist have been prioritized for removal and replacement this fall. These trees are in decline, have serious structural problems, and/or are damaging sidewalks. A letter was mailed on October 20th to all of the residents in the pilot area to inform them about the reforestation project and the reasons for it. A list of 40 of the worst condition street trees proposed for removal and their locations (addresses) was attached to the letter. The list also includes two species of trees proposed as options for the replacement tree to be planted at each address. Residents will be given the opportunity to express (by Nov. 6th) their preference not to have their tree removed, their choice of replacement tree and its location, and whether they would like to pay to have a larger sized replacement specimen planted. The arborist's report and survey of all 400+ street trees in the pilot area, plus photos of replacement species and other information about the pilot reforestation project will be posted on the City website.

A "Tree Walk" with the consulting arborist and staff will be conducted on Saturday, November 4th at 9 a.m., so that residents may learn about the reasons for the proposed removals, see examples of problem trees, ask questions and make comments. Members of the Environmental Quality Commission will be present.

Removals and replacement plantings are expected to begin the week of November 20th. All trees will be planted by the end of December, at the latest. It is important to get the new trees in the ground by then so that they will get plenty of rain and grow roots before warmer spring weather begins to bring out their foliage.