Board upholds Park Merced permit to remove two trees; orders larger 48-inch replacements

Julian Lagos, a long-time Park Merced resident and tree advocate, appealed the Department of Public Works' permit that allowed Arborwell/Park Merced to remove two trees, including a street tree the department found to have "extensive amount of decay" and one private significant tree in poor condition. Lago's testimony emphasized the tree's historic plantings, biodiversity and lack of recorded injuries or property damage during recent storms.

Chris Buck, Acting Urban Forester, reported that a stem of the street tree had split and that significant decay remained in the standing portions; DPW staff recommended approval of removal and replacement with 24-inch box trees and noted that Article 16 of the Public Works Code requires replanting within six months and authorizes enforcement and fines for failure to replant.

Residents testified about past Park Merced tree removals and alleged failures to replant required trees. Commissioners cited prior enforcement actions pending against Park Merced for missed replantings and pressed DPW on follow-up ability.

The board's majority found the department's evidence of decay credible and, balancing community concerns, upheld the permit but increased the replacement requirement to 48-inch box size trees and required the species and planting details be set with DPW; the motion passed 4-0.

The department said it will continue follow-up and pursue enforcement where replanting does not occur within the required timeframe.