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Millbrae outlines street tree and reforestation program to add hundreds of trees; council offers equity and maintenance feedback
Summary
City staff described a two‑zone Street Tree and Reforestation Program (FY25–27 CIP funding) to add up to about 200 trees in FY26, prioritize species by zone, waive permitting fees for public‑right‑of‑way replacements and require homeowner care agreements; council discussed outreach to underrepresented neighborhoods, maintenance responsibilities and fire‑zone review.
The City’s environmental programs team proposed a two‑zone Street Tree and Reforestation Program on April 14 that would use existing FY25–27 CIP funding to expand street canopy and offer free or subsidized trees to residents.
Environmental Programs Manager Andrea Papajohn detailed a two‑zone approach: Zone 1 (northern neighborhoods with lower canopy cover) would be offered a choice of four species for front‑yard plantings that create a street canopy; Zone 2 (blocks with existing themed street trees) would prioritize replacement London plane trees where appropriate. Papajohn said the FY26 CIP includes $250,000 that could allow the city to plant up to about 200 trees depending on removals and costs.
Applicants would complete an address lookup on the city website to confirm zone eligibility; staff would inspect sites, require homeowners to sign care agreements, and waive right‑of‑way and tree‑removal permit fees for approved replacements. The contractor (EC Tree Service) would perform plantings and removals under an amended city contract.
Council members urged outreach equity—particularly to Mills Estates—and cautioned about maintenance costs if responsibility is shifted to homeowners. Anne Schneider and other speakers urged attention to native species and long‑term maintenance options. Papajohn said staff will include fire‑marshal review for properties in high fire‑severity zones and that root barriers would minimize sidewalk damage.
The presentation was informational; council offered suggestions and did not take formal action.
