Residents press Vacaville to preserve historic walnut tree; public works cites decay, proposes sycamore replacement

Several residents of the historic downtown/Heritage District told the Vacaville City Council on Aug. 12 they want the city to preserve a large black walnut street tree on Louisiana/Lozena Street, saying it is healthy and a significant landmark. Speakers said they feared the city plans to remove it without adequate public review or immediate replacement.

William Crossley and other residents said the tree is an important legacy feature that has been part of the neighborhood for decades. Crossley said the city removed nearby street trees in past years and did not replace them, leaving a bland street.

Public Works Director Brian McClain responded that the city owns street trees between sidewalks and curb, and that an arborist has inspected the walnut and found signs of decay, large dead limbs (some more than 44 inches in diameter identified in the presentation), and an inclusion at a crotch that creates a structural weakness likely to cause a failure of a major limb or limb union. McClain said a very large limb fell in May and that the tree has since caused pavement and curb damage; the city has received a claim related to the tree.

McClain said Public Works attempted pruning, but root and sidewalk damage prevent acceptable repairs without further damaging the tree. He said the department does not want to remove trees needlessly but concluded removal is the safest option and that staff intends to plant a new sycamore in the location. Residents pushed back on the replacement species, noting sycamores can produce seed balls that litter sidewalks; residents asked for replacement before removal and stronger public outreach and clear information about sidewalk ownership, maintenance responsibility and the tree-replacement program.

The nut graf: The council heard competing claims about the tree''residents called it a healthy heritage specimen, Public Works cited arborist findings of decay and an earlier limb failure and said removal and a sycamore replacement are planned; staff promised follow-up and said tree‑replacement funds and programs exist.

Public commenters also raised related concerns about sidewalk damage, the process for contractor selection for tree work, and whether the city can offer lower-cost sidewalk grinds as an alternative to full replacement. Council asked staff to follow up with the public works director and to report back on options, including the city's tree-replacement program and criteria for tree removal, replacement species and timing.

Ending: Public Works said staff will coordinate outreach to affected property owners, confirm contact information for residents who spoke tonight and return with a detailed staff update through the public works director, including options for replacement species and a timetable for planting.

"We want to see the trees back," McClain said, "and my team is already prepared to put a sycamore in that location."