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Estacada approves downtown street tree master plan update
Summary
The council approved a phased update to the downtown street tree plan, recommending little gem magnolias for narrow downtown planting strips and tall narrow maples along the highway; council asked for pilot plantings and attention to maintenance and soil conditions.
The Estacada City Council voted to approve an update to the downtown Street Tree Master Plan, endorsing a phased approach that begins on Broadway and tests new species in constrained planting strips.
Staff explained the recommendation to use the little gem magnolia in tight urban spaces because it is evergreen and produces less leaf fall in narrow planting strips, and to use tall, narrow maple varieties on the highway entrances to preserve a seasonal canopy. The parks manager noted the plan would not replace all trees at once and recommended trial plantings in select locations to evaluate performance.
Several councilors raised concerns about maintenance burdens, root growth and the timing for planting; staff said fall transplants and proper soil preparation improve success. One councilor urged the inclusion of homeowner resources to help residents plant and maintain trees correctly.
The council moved and passed the plan update. Next steps include mapping priority replacement sites, conducting pilot plantings, and preparing public guidance on planting and maintenance.
