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Albany commission approves removal of three hazardous or damaged street trees, cites decay and suspected poisoning
Summary
The commission approved removal of trees at 1458 Portland Ave and 1086 Peralta for decay and sidewalk-related decline, and authorized removal of a San Pablo Avenue tree that showed drilled holes and oozing chemical consistent with vandalism; staff said removals met section 2.1A criteria.
The Parks & Recreation Commission voted to remove three street trees after staff presented evidence of structural decay, sidewalk-related decline and suspected vandalism.
John Hawkridge, the city’s urban forestry coordinator, told commissioners the trees at 1458 Portland Avenue had extensive topping wounds, partially healed cuts and decay and that the trees qualified for removal under the city standard he cited as "section 2.1A." Property owner Nancy Harris told the commission she experienced a large limb failure in October and said she fears for neighbors walking beneath the canopy. "I think they are unfortunately very dangerous," Harris said.
The commission voted on the 1458 Portland application with the following roll call: Commissioner Chan yes; Commissioner Changf Frank abstain; Commissioners Kent, Logan, Martin and Trinkle yes; Chair Abbott yes. The motion passed.
Hawkridge next presented a Little Gem magnolia at 1086 Peralta, which he said declined after sidewalk root pruning; he noted magnolias are sensitive to root cuts and often do not recover. Commissioners approved the removal application unanimously.
A third tree on San Pablo Avenue showed a different problem: Hawkridge said he found one-inch holes drilled into the trunk and "this oily, smelly chemical" oozing from them, which he described as likely poisoning or targeted damage. He said the tree later lost a limb and recommended removal. Commissioners approved removal; Hawkridge and commissioners discussed reporting options to the police but said no suspect was identified during the meeting.
Hawkridge also announced the city’s upcoming planting project: "we're going to begin tree planting on the 16th," he said, adding the city will plant 135 trees and install 45 new tree basins as part of the annual program. The commission’s actions were limited to approving individual removal applications; replacements, species choices and timing will be addressed by staff through the city’s normal planting process.
