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Board upholds removal permits for four Russian Hill street trees with expedited replanting
Summary
After years of dispute, the Board of Appeals upheld Department of Public Works permits to remove four Blackwood Acacia trees in the 1000 block of Broadway, conditioning approval on five 48‑inch box tree replacements to be planted within four months; vote 3–1.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Jan. 14 upheld three Public Works permits authorizing removal of four Blackwood Acacia trees on the 1000 block of Broadway, concluding the Bureau of Urban Forestry’s findings of structural defects and public‑safety risk carried weight even though neighborhood groups urged preservation.
Representatives of Russian Hill Neighbors described the block’s mature canopy, cited an eight‑year history of intermittent litigation and urged alternatives such as basin enlargement, protective bollards and a pull test. Carol Ann Rogers and Erica Kwiatowski said the trees are a defining neighborhood asset and noted arborist Ted Kipping’s earlier recommendations for preservation.
Public Works and the permit holders said the trees exhibit trunk damage, decay and species‑level susceptibility to failure; Urban Forester Chris Buck said Blackwood Acacia “does not tolerate root disturbance” and that existing trunk and root damage means the trees are poor candidates for root pruning. DPW proposed a condition requiring five replacement trees in 48‑inch boxed stock and repairs to sidewalk damage.
After extended discussion about aesthetics, safety and enforceability, the board voted 3–1 to uphold the permits and to require the permit holders to plant five replacement trees (48‑inch boxes) within four months and to ensure sidewalk repairs and monitoring. Commissioners said the conditions aim to balance public‑safety concerns with neighborhood canopy renewal.
