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Loomis council approves oak-tree giveaway and pruning grant to spend down tree fund
Summary
The Loomis Town Council authorized a two-part program to use $30,000 already in the capital improvement program to promote planting and care of oak trees: a five-gallon tree giveaway (initial $5,000) and a 50/50 pruning grant capped at $1,500 per property and $25,000 initial funding for pruning.
The Loomis Town Council on March 18 approved an "Adopt an Oak Tree" program and a matching pruning-grant aimed at protecting the town's oak canopy and spending down a restricted tree fund. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution authorizing staff to launch the program.
Town staff told the council the town has about $370,000 in a restricted tree fund and $30,000 already programmed in the fiscal year capital improvements program for related work. The two-part program would give away five-gallon oak saplings (estimated at about $50 each) and create a 50/50 pruning grant in which the town would contribute up to $1,500 per property per year toward professional oak-tree pruning.
"The 5-gallon trees are around $50," said the presenting staff member while explaining the giveaway plan and planting guidance the town will provide, including safe planting distances relative to buildings and fire-hardening advice. Staff recommended an initial $5,000 for the giveaway and $25,000 for the pruning grants, which together match the $30,000 already in the adopted CIP.
Under the program as described, applicants would complete an application, confirm the correct tree is slated for pruning or planting, and submit an invoice and photographic proof after work is finished to receive the town's match. Staff said requests for quotes would be used to purchase trees and that contractors performing pruning should be ISA-certified tree-care professionals; the town's contractor database will be used to identify vendors but staff said it would not limit outreach to only that list.
Public commenters raised logistical concerns including tree species availability, ensuring trees go to Loomis residents, whether to help with arborist assessment costs when a tree must be removed, and how the town should ensure local vendors are used when possible. Staff said the program would be limited to one grant per property per year but could be run in subsequent years and revisited depending on demand and fund balance.
The council moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried with Council members Ring, Cortez, Knisley and Mayor Youngblood voting in favor.
Next steps: staff said the program would be administered by the administrative assistant and rolled out with an application and pickup process; if demand or funding needs change the council can revisit funding levels.
