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Street Tree Division adds crew as managers assess post-fire survivability and removals
Summary
The cityStreet Tree Division reported adding a third crew and said many native trees are resprouting after the fire; staff expect continued removals of hazardous trees and will monitor regrowth into spring.
City Street Tree Division staff told the commission they have added a third crew to support ongoing tree maintenance and post-fire recovery work.
Richie Bamlett, Urban Forest Manager, said crews will be mixed by experience level to address pruning and removals across the city and that assessments so far show regrowth for many native species: "some of the trees that we thought would be dead are actually starting to sprout back at the base of the trees," he said. Bamlett described plans for monthly reassessments and targeted removal by professionals where needed.
He said 55 of the most hazardous trees were removed along Upper Park Drive and that staff anticipate removing a handful more over time. Bamlett also said the division will monitor invasive-weed issues such as Spanish/Scotch broom and use contractor and volunteer resources to control it where possible.
Commissioners asked about funding and Bamlett said the council was scheduled to consider a supplemental $200,000 to cover removal costs and that staff would pursue available reimbursement programs.
