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Council weighs options as anthracnose spreads through sycamores; staff to return with plan
Summary
Council discussed a spreading anthracnose disease affecting sycamore street trees, tradeoffs between treatment costs and replacement species, and staff was asked to prepare options and communication about street‑treatment choices.
Council members raised resident complaints and operational questions about a spreading anthracnose disease afflicting sycamores in park strips. Staff said treatment injections cost roughly $800 per tree and may require multiple treatments and that a monoculture of identical street trees has increased vulnerability.
Councilors discussed replacement strategies (different species, smaller trees, or xeriscape/hedges) and legal limits on requiring trees in park strips under state law when the strip is under five feet. One council member asked staff to prepare a plan and budget for tree replacement and to communicate the pavement‑treatment plan (slurry vs. scrub seal) to address perceptions of favoritism around street treatments.
Staff committed to follow up on a paving date for Walden Lane and to provide tree‑replacement and communication options to the council.
