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Fullerton marks Arbor Day with tree planting plans as residents accuse contractor of excessive trimming
Summary
City staff announced an Arbor Day event for May 3 and plans to plant about 20 native trees; public commenters criticized recent trimming by the city's contractor, called for contract review, and urged stronger arborist oversight.
Fullerton officials announced the city’s Arbor Day observance and a community tree-planting event while residents urged the council to review tree-trimming practices by the city's contractor.
Julio Jacobo, identified in the meeting as the tree supervisor, told council members that Arbor Day will occur May 3 at Loop Valley Grove Park (near Laguna Lake Road), begin at 9:00 a.m., and include planting roughly 20 California-native trees along with demonstrations on tree maintenance.
During public comment, Susan Petrella criticized the city’s ongoing tree-trimming program and contractor performance, citing multiple neighborhood streets and Byram Park where she said trimming has been excessive and inconsistent with Fullerton’s community tree plan. Petrella called for the city to rescind the West Coast Arborists contract and replace arborist oversight if trimming continues to remove canopy and long-term shade.
Councilmembers acknowledged the Arbor Day proclamation and heard calls for clearer contract oversight and consistency with the community tree plan. The council did not take formal action on the trimming complaints at this meeting but directed that public concerns be forwarded to staff for follow-up.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate the May 3 community planting and will receive the public's concerns about tree-trimming practices for staff follow-up and potential contract review.
