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Public Works details cemetery tree removals, explains procedures to protect headstones
Summary
Public Works reported it removed six cemetery trees, pruned 317 citywide and performed 97 crown reductions during an accelerated two-week program; the department said crews used plywood to protect markers and notified families when work required moving memorials.
Public Works Director Jackie Cordero (S5) explained a compressed two‑week annual tree maintenance contract this month that prioritized public safety, removed hazard trees in the cemetery and performed citywide pruning and crown reductions.
“the cemetery removal of 6 trees, the pruning of the perimeter trees, and citywide, we also removed 4 trees, pruned 317, and did crown reduction for 97,” Cordero said, describing the scale of the work. She said crews used standard procedures around grave markers — placing plywood to avoid walking on memorials, removing memorabilia when necessary, and coordinating with families before any required marker moves.
Cordero said the late-season schedule (December) was driven by procurement and contracting constraints this year and that staff hopes to shift the program earlier in 2026 (October/November) to minimize cruise‑day conflicts and public disruption. Council asked whether replanting is planned; staff replied the cemetery schematic shows little available space and replanting in the interior is unlikely.
