The Sonoma City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission on Dec. 10 approved two separate tree-removal permits after city staff and an arborist recommended removal for public-safety and property-damage reasons.

For the first permit (874 4th Street East), staff described a flowering cherry whose root system is lifting the driveway and creating trip hazards. The arborist report noted the tree is “in fair health” but root pruning at the driveway edge would likely threaten the tree’s stability. Homeowner Luis Rivas said the roots have encroached on his property and interior garage cracks are appearing. The commission voted 5–1 to approve removal with a requirement to plant a replacement tree in a root barrier along the driveway, following the arborist’s recommendation.

For the second permit (432 York Court), staff reported a liquid amber tree in a sidewalk planter strip contributing to a tripping hazard. Neighbors and commissioners discussed whether sidewalk damage was caused by tree roots and whether the arborist report omitted the trunk diameter; commissioners also emphasized selecting a replacement tree with a less-invasive root system and providing irrigation. After discussion and questions about replacement species and irrigation, the commission approved removal and replacement 5–1.

Both approvals included conditions that the removal be followed by replacement planting with a species and root-barrier approach appropriate for the right-of-way; staff said they would provide a recommended street-tree list and coordinate with property owners on species selection and irrigation.

Why it matters: The decisions respond to immediate pedestrian-safety and property-damage concerns in two neighborhoods and highlight the trade-offs cities face between preserving mature trees and maintaining safe public infrastructure.

What's next: Staff will work with property owners on replacement-tree species and installation details and will use the city’s tree inventory and canopy study (to be reviewed at a joint meeting in January) to inform longer-term street-tree placement and species selection.