HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11 - Urban Forest Management Plan Public Works Agency
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Item # 11
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
October 19, 2021
TOPIC: Urban Forest Management Plan
AGENDA TITLE
Receive and File of the Urban Forest Management Plan as Part of the City Forest
Renewal Project in Collaboration with West Coast Arborists, Inc. and California Urban
Forests Council
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file the Urban Forest Management Plan.
DISCUSSION
The City Forest Renewal (CFR) project provides funding for the removal of trees that are
diseased, posing a risk, and/or dead. Funding for this project was made possible through
Proposition 68 and administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (CAL FIRE)’s Urban and Community Forestry grant program. The grant
recipient was the California Urban Forests Council (CaUFC), in collaboration with West
Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) as the project contractor. In January 2020, the City of Santa
Ana was selected as a qualifying partner based upon the City’s urban forest needs,
Disadvantaged Communities status, and working relationships.
A component of the CFR project promotes urban forestry improvements by assisting
partner cities to update tree-related documents and provide recommendations for the
City’s urban forest management guidelines, leading to the creation of the Urban Forest
Management Plan (UFMP). The UFMP is a centralized document that reflects best
management practices through professional tree care standards related to planting,
maintenance, removal, protection, and pruning of City-owned trees in the right-of-way.
The UFMP will further strengthen the City’s position when applying for grant opportunities
to supplement/increase City Street Trees Services programs and budgets.
The UFMP was presented to the City’s Environmental and Transportation Advisory
Commission on September 14, 2021 and they were supportive of the document.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with the action.
Urban Forest Management Plan
October 19, 2021
Page 2
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Urban Forest Management Plan
Submitted By: Nabil Saba, P.E., Executive Director – Public Works Agency
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Urban Forest
Management Plan
September 2021
EXHIBIT 1
1
Purpose
This management plan establishes guidelines and procedures needed to provide for the
care and protection of trees in order to promote the health, safety, welfare, and quality of
life for all city residents, business owners and visitors. The City of Santa Ana
acknowledges that trees provide environmental, aesthetic, social and economic benefits.
Specifically, trees increase property values, provide aesthetic value, shade and cooling,
reduce energy costs, decrease wind velocities, erosion control, conserve energy, reduce
storm water runoff, act as filters for airborne pollutants, reduce noise, provide privacy,
provide wildlife habitat and food, sequester carbon, and release oxygen.
This management plan allows the City of Santa Ana to implement best management
practices as reflected by professional tree care industry standards for the planting,
maintenance, removal, protection, pruning, and preservation of street trees in the right of
way on city owned or city controlled property , as well as to enforce the provisions of the
city code. By assuring the preservation and protection of the municipal urban
forest through regulations and standards of care, our natural resources will continue to
enhance the landscape, streets, and parks, while helping to improve Santa Ana.
This management plan is coherent with City goals outlined in the City’s Conservation and
Environmental Justice Elements within the General Plan, and the goals outlined in the
Climate Action Plan. Following this management plan will ensure that the urban forest is
being utilized to meet citywide goals.
The City realizes that sustaining the urban canopy, creating visually aesthetic landscaping,
and maintaining and encouraging a diversity of trees, both in terms of age and species, will
increase the value of our urban forest; making it an even greater asset to the City of Santa
Ana.
The development of this Urban Forest Management was made possible through a partner-
ship with the California Urban Forests Council and the Western Chapter International Soci-
ety of Arboriculture, utilizing funding from Proposition 68, administered through CAL FIRE’s
Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. This Plan reflects the recommendations
being made to municipalities by the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) to
reduce public agency exposure to liability and maximize the benefits of trees.
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Table of Contents
Section 1 Definitions............................................................................................................3
Section 2 Tree Inspections / Tree Inventory......................................................................5
A. Inspection Objectives
B. Identifying and Documenting Inspections
Section 3 Routine Tree Maintenance.................................................................................7
A. Restricted Acts to be Avoided without Arborist Approval
B. Standards for Pruning Public Trees
C. Pruning Methods for Trees
D. Tree Care for Birds and Other Wildlife
E. Plant Health Care Plan and Integrated Pest Management
F. Fertilizing
G. Watering Schedule
I. Fruit Control
Section 4 Protection of Trees During Construction........................................................10
A. Tree Protection Objectives
B. Site Plan
C. Activities During Construction and Demolition Near Trees
D. Tree Maintenance During Construction
Section 5 Tree Removal ....................................................................................................13
A. Tree Removal Objectives
B. Removal Criteria
C. Tree Evaluation for Removal
Section 6 Replacement and Planting of Trees.................................................................15
A. Tree Planting Specifications
B. Planting Stock and Materials
C. Planting Site Preparation
D. Planting in Difficult Soil Conditions
Section 7 Approved Tree Palette......................................................................................17
Section 8 Education and Community Outreach.............................................................18
A. Community Forestry Objectives
B. Public Relations
C. Distribution of Education Material
D. Tree City USA
E. Developing a Tree Advisory Commission (Tree Board)
Section 9 Urban Wood Recycling Program....................................................................20
A. Urban Wood Recycling Objectives
B. Tree Recycling Plan
C. Species Replacement Plan
D. Urban Wood Public Construction Projects
Section 10 References.......................................................................................................21
Section 11 Appendices......................................................................................................22
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Section 1: Definitions
For the purposes of this guide , the following definitions shall apply:
A. Arborist: the person designated as such by the city who has demonstrated knowledge
and competency, ideally through the obtainment of the current International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA) arborist certification. This can be either a city employee or a
contractor. ISA Municipal Specialist is a desirable credential requiring qualified individuals
have a minimum of three years full time municipal related experience. These credential
holders assist agencies in the operations of managing trees in a municipal sector. ISA
Utility Specialist is another highly desirable certification requiring individuals to have a
minimum of three years full time experience managing trees adjacent to utilities. This
credential is important in the managing of municipal trees near power lines or other
utilities. The ISA Board Certified Master Arborists is the highest level of certification
offered by the International Society of Arboriculture and could additionally be considered
useful in assisting municipalities with all operational facets of managing trees.
B. Compaction: compression of the soil structure or texture by any means that creates an
upper layer that is impermeable.
C. Director: the director of public works or other department head as assigned by the public
agency or the director’s designee, unless otherwise specified in the guide .
D. Disturbance: all the various activities from construction or development that may damage
trees.
E. Dripline area: the suggested minimum area within “X” distance from the trunk of a tree in
a typical location, measured from the perimeter of the trunk of the tree at 54 inches above
natural grade, where “X” equals a distance ten times the diameter of the trunk at 54
inches above natural grade, or the distance to the outermost edge of the tree canopy,
whichever is the lesser distance.
F. Environmental Transportation Advisory Commission (ETAC): An Advisory Commission to
the City Council in the study, review, and recommendations with regard to the removal,
planting, replanting or disposition of public trees in the public right of way.
G. Excessive pruning: removing in excess of 25 percent or greater of the functioning leaves
and stems in a single pruning. Excessive pruning may include the cutting of any root two
inches or greater in diameter. Exceptions are when clearance from overhead utilities or
public improvements is required, or to abate a hazardous condition or a public nuisance
or approved by City arborist.
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Section 1: Definitions (continued)
I. Hazardous condition: in this guide , a hazardous tree condition is one in which a tree part
has an observable structural issue that is imminent likelihood of failure and a high likelihood
of striking a foreseeable target. These hazards can be discovered through both routine
pruning work and through other forms of inspection. The city shall correct hazards related to
targets that could be impacted by failure in a timely manner. If provisions for hazard
mitigation cannot occur immediately, public protection measures should be taken, such as
providing warning or notice.
J. Inspection: a visual observation of an individual tree or population of trees to assess
condition. In this guide , inventory updates and maintenance recommendations, will be
considered inspections. An inspection can lead to a risk assessment if an immediate issue is
identified.
K. Injury: a wound resulting from any activity, including but not limited to excessive pruning,
cutting, trenching, excavating, altering the grade, paving or compaction. Injury shall include
bruising, scarring, tearing, or breaking of roots, bark, trunk, branches or foliage, herbicide or
poisoning, or any other action leading to the death or permanent damage to tree health.
L. Park Tree: Tree in a city park on public property.
M. Pest control advisor: a person licensed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation
capable of writing legal prescriptions for specific pesticides.
N. Pest control applicator: a person licensed by the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation who performs the application and treatment of pesticides.
O. Public nuisance: an act, condition, or a thing that is offensive to the community or that
violates the rights of persons or the community, as determined by the city’s regulation of the
planting, maintenance, and removal of trees ordinance.
P. Public Property tree: Tree on publicly open property.
Q. Removal: complete tree removal, such as cutting to the ground or extraction of the tree.
R. Risk assessment: a tree assessment done by an ISA certified person to provide the city with
a mitigation option, if needed.
S. Street Tree: Tree within the public right-of-way
T. Topping: the undesirable practice of cutting back large-diameter branches between nodes or
truncating the main stem.
U. Tree City USA: a nationwide designation that provides the framework necessary for
communities to manage and expand their public trees.
V. Trenching: any excavation to provide irrigation, install foundations, utility lines, services,
pipe, drainage, or other property improvements below grade.
W. Unintended object: includes people, vehicles, structures, or anything subject to damage by a
tree.
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Section 2: Tree Inspections/
Tree Inventory
A. Inspection Objectives
Inspection of city trees shall identify visually obvious problems, their relative risk, and provide a
recommendation for a risk assessment if an immediate risk is identified. The inspection interval
should be no greater than five years as part of a routine trimming program. Additionally,
supplemental inspections and risk assessments should be done in between trim cycles to track
potential tree failures. These can include major arterials, or other highly traveled locations.
Inspection and work history data should be tracked and monitored within a tree inventory
management program that allows for documented work history to be recorded and accessible.
This should include all publicly maintained trees, as determined by the city Arborist. The agency
should frequently review the inventory for potential high -risk trees and should assign trees to
have risk assessments done with written documentation.
Those performing tree inspections must adhere to current industry standards, to ensure they are
being done on a consistent and regular manner. ANSI A300 standards and ISA Best
Management Practices guide contractors and city staff in tree evaluations with procedures and
specifications.
B. Identifying and Documenting Inspections
Inspected items should include, but are not limited to:
1. Lean/root problems: for example, leaning trees with roots heaving out of the ground.
2. Co-dominant or multiple trunks: competing stems that grow bark between a tight crotch
union can be weakened areas prone to failure.
3. Trunk cavities, cankers, mushrooms, and decay: these are indicators of potential
internal decay of a tree and, if discovered, may require further investigation and
mitigation.
4. Cracks in trunks and branches: these can be indicators of future failures and, if
discovered, may require further investigation and mitigation.
5. Weakly attached scaffold limbs and branches: a branch that developed as a
reactionary shoot can be predisposed to failure and, if discovered, may require further
investigation and mitigation.
6. Hanging or broken branches (hangers): branches that are detached from where they
were grown and are hanging and could fall, impacting targets below. Broken branch
stubs should be pruned off properly unless preserved for wildlife habitat reasons.
7. Dead branches (deadwood): branches within a canopy of a tree that no longer produce
foliage and have begun to lose bark.
8. Pests and other diseases: identified pests that can cause tree failures such as boring,
leaf chewing and leaf sucking insects or pathogenic fungus.
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Section 2: Tree Inspections/
Tree Inventory (continued)
While most tree inspections can be conducted from the ground, there are times when an aerial
inspection is necessary. These inspections can be completed as part of the routine tree pruning
program. The routine tree pruning program inspections does not assign a time frame to tree
hazards, they simply point out a tree condition that requires a risk assessment or mitigation
decision by the city arborist. The goals of the tree inspection/tree inventory program include:
1. Documenting tree structure and condition and recording dates.
2. Identifying vacant sites suitable for trees to be planted.
3. Maintaining trees proactively, instead of reactively as budget allows.
4. Identifying the dollar value of each tree and total urban forest utilizing the Trunk Formula
Method in accordance with the current Guide for Plant Appraisal.
5. Documenting work history records.
6. Scheduling tree maintenance work.
7. Improving tree structure and health through scheduled tree maintenance.
8. Reducing tree loss and liability.
9. Demonstrating due diligence via work history.
10. Identifying trees that can be salvaged or corrected with proper pruning.
7
These guidelines establish principles of care and maintenance for the city’s public trees, and are
set forth for pruning, planting, watering, soil and nutrient requirements, insect, disease, and fruit
control.
A. Restricted Acts to be Avoided without Arborist Approval
Restricted maintenance practices for public trees include:
1. Excessive pruning , except for clearance pruning of utility lines, traffic or abating a
public nuisance.
2. Topping.
3. Other action that could lead to the death of a tree or could permanently damage its
health, including but not limited to cutting, poisoning, over-watering, unauthorized
relocation or transportation of a tree, or trenching, excavating, altering the grade, or
paving within the dripline area of a tree.
B. Standards for Pruning Public Trees
All work on public trees shall be in accordance with the current edition of the following industry
standards: ANSI A300 and ANSI Z133.
C. Pruning Methods for Trees
There are seven types of pruning that may be appropriate for trees. They are:
1. Structural pruning: a type of tree pruning for young trees that establishes a strong
central leader and develops subordinate branches. Structural pruning helps to alleviate
future failures.
2. Crown cleaning: the selective removal of dead, diseased, detached, and broken
branches. No live foliage is to be pruned during crown cleaning, and this is the
preferred pruning type for mature trees.
3. Crown thinning: the selective removal of small live branches to reduce crown density.
No more than 25% of live foliage should be removed in a growing season, except for
limited exceptions approved by the City arborist.
4. Crown raising: the selective removal of branches in order to provide vertical clearance.
5. Crown restoration: the selective removal of branches, sprouts and stubs from trees
that have been topped.
6. Crown reduction: the selective removal of branches and stems to decrease the height
and/or spread of a tree.
7. Utility pruning: the selective removal of branches and stems to reduce growth away
from utility lines.
ANSI A300 (Part 1) Pruning and ISA Best Management Practices Pruning Third Edition should
define the pruning method applied as a part routine trimming program.
Pruning may be done outside of the routine trimming program if prune will result in at least one of
the following criteria:
1. Pruning will result in tree risk mitigation.
2. Pruning will result in improved tree structure
3. Pruning will establish a dominant leader in a young tree.
4. Pruning will provide clearance for new or existing infrastructure.
Section 3: Routine Tree
Maintenance
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Climbing and pruning practices shall not injure the tree except for the pruning cuts.
It is best to clearly identify a pruning objective and then select the pruning type most suitable to
achieve that objective. For example, if the objective is roadway clearance, crown raising would
be the selected type of pruning.
D. Tree Care for Birds and Other Wildlife
Birds and other wildlife have strong associations with trees and provide ecological and other ben-
efits. Tree and landscape care can be impactful to them, especially during the nesting sea-
son. There are several federal and state laws and regulations pertinent to wildlife and the tree
care and landscape industry. The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and CA FWS 3503 are the
most relevant to tree care in the urban landscape. Tree and landscape city staff and contractors
should be trained and comply with all relevant regulations and best practices to reduce impact on
wildlife. The Tree Care for Birds and Other Wildlife Best Management Practices of the Western
Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture shall be a guiding document for policy and
management of trees all year.
E. Plant Health Care Plan and Integrated Pest Management
It is recommended that Agencies fund the development of a comprehensive plant health care
program to serve as a guide to manage the health structure and appearance of plants and trees
in the landscape. As part of that plan, there should be an Integrated Pest Management strategy.
This strategy is a method of controlling plant pests by combining biological, culture, mechanical,
physical, and/or chemical management strategies. The Integrated Pest Management strategy
should be constructed based off the Integrated Pest Management Flowchart (Appendix B). The
Integrated Pest Management Flowchart is based off ANSI A300 standards. The flowchart will
dictate the plan of action when there is an identified plant health concern.
If action against pests is warranted, always consider treatments as part of an overall plant health
care program. The pest source shall be identified and targeted with a specific and timely
treatment. All prescriptions for pesticides are to be issued by a Pest Control Advisor (PCA) per
the Department of Pesticide Regulations. Additionally, applicators must be licensed or certified to
apply. If it appears that insects or disease may lead to the death of a public tree, then it is the
responsibility of the city to evaluate the condition according to the following guidelines and treat
the problem in a timely fashion to prevent further decline of the tree.
1. For treatment of insects, the pest control advisor shall be consulted. Nontoxic
materials shall be used whenever feasible. All chemicals must conform to the
California Department of Pesticide Regulations.
2. For disease and decay that erodes the health or weakens the structure, further
analysis by an arborist may be required to evaluate the stability.
3. Diseases below ground are often caused by poor landscape design surrounding old
trees, which encourages harmful and often lethal ailments. The following conditions
favor disease:
a. Compacting of the soil within the tree’s dripline
b. Removing soil from the tree root area
c. Planting incompatible plants within the tree’s dripline
Section 3: Routine Tree
Maintenance (continued)
9
Combined with poorly drained soil, these factors often activate normally dormant fungi to become
opportunistic and infect the tree, which can lead to the decline and eventual death of the tree. This
decline can be slow and may not be evident for many years.
When planning landscaping around a public tree, an evaluation of the tree and soil must be
performed to determine if there is a disease present. If the tree is diseased and it is reasonable to
expect that landscaping will contribute to decline, permanent damage or render it hazardous, it is
the obligation of the city to take reasonable measures to reduce or eliminate the conditions that
may cause the decline of the public tree.
F. Fertilizing
All fertilizers shall only be applied if specified by the arborist as part of a plant healthcare program.
Fertilizing may be specified for trees that will be impacted by an upcoming disturbance, grade
change, or a modified environment. Fertilizing in these instances may aid the tree to overcome the
stress caused by disturbance. The arborist shall determine specifications for fertilizing trees on a
case-by-case basis.
G. Watering Schedule
1. Newly installed trees, including drought tolerant species, are dependent upon
supplemental irrigation until established, typically for up to two years. If a tree is native
to areas of higher rainfall, then the tree will require supplemental water throughout its
life cycle, unless the tree finds a subterranean water source. Periods of extreme heat,
wind or drought may require more or less water than recommended in these
specifications.
2. During the establishment period, new trees shall be watered thoroughly as part of an
establishment program prescribed by an arborist. Local weather and environmental
factors should be taken into consideration when considering a watering plan. If
reclaimed water is to be used, please verify that the species of trees to be irrigated has
an elevated tolerance of salts.
3. Most mature public trees in the city are established in areas without formal watering
systems. These trees shall only receive manual irrigation when it is determined
necessary by the arborist in order to restore the health of the tree. In this case, the
arborist shall also determine the watering specifications.
4. Trees planted in association with the construction of public improvements (medians,
parkways, sidewalk tree wells, etc.) shall be irrigated by automated watering
systems when possible . The arborist shall determine the type of automatic irrigation
system used. Trees planted in public areas where no irrigation system exists shall be
hand watered until established. After that, a watering schedule determined by the
arborist shall be in effect until deemed no longer necessary.
Section 3: Routine Tree
Maintenance (continued)
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A. Tree Protection Objectives
The objective of this section is to reduce the negative effects of construction on trees to a less
than significant level. Tree protection should begin before construction starts. Successful tree
preservation occurs when designers, construction personnel, and project managers are
committed to tree preservation. All members of the project team must be familiar with the
rudimentary aspects of tree growth and development in order to understand the relationship
between tree survival and construction practices. Utilization of an arborist will ensure everyone is
understanding of the needs regarding trees.
All trees should try to be preserved. Trees that are structurally unstable, dead, in poor health, or
unable to survive the effects of construction become a liability to the project and may have to be
removed.
B. Site Plan
For all projects, Site Plans must indicate accurately plotted trunk locations and the Tree Protection
Zone (TPZ) of all trees or group of trees to be preserved within the development area.
Additionally, for all trees within the development area, the plans shall accurately show the trunk
diameter, dripline and clearly identify the TPZ. The type of protective fencing shall be specified
and indicated with a bold dashed line.
Site Plans shall also include the following minimum information:
1. Surveyed tree locations, species, size (height, width, DBH). Dripline Area (including
trees located on neighboring property that overhang or within 25 feet of the project site)
and City Trees adjacent to the project site
2. Paving, concrete, Trenching, or grade change (including the limits of over -excavation)
located within the Tree Protection Zone
3. Existing and proposed utility easements
4. Surface and subsurface drainage and aeration systems to be used
5. Walls, tree wells, retaining walls and grade change barriers, both temporary and
permanent
6. Landscaping, irrigation and lighting within dripline of trees, including all lines, valves, etc.
Tree Protection Zone
During the design phase of the project the Project Manager shall contact the City Arborist to
develop a TPZ for each tree impacted by the project. If an unresolved disagreement arises
between the Certified Arborist and the project manager on the size of a TPZ for a tree, the
dispute shall be brought to the Director of Public Works and/or City Engineer, who will render a
final decision on the size of the TPZ.
Each tree to be retained shall have a designated TPZ identifying the area sufficiently large enough
to protect it and its roots. The TPZ shall be shown on all Site Plans including, Demolition, Grading,
Irrigation, Electrical, Landscape, etc. Improvements or activities such as paving, utility and
irrigation Trenching including other ancillary activities shall occur outside the TPZ, unless
otherwise specified. The protection fence shall serve as the TPZ.
Section 4: Protection of Trees
During Construction
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Activities prohibited within the Tree Protection Zone include:
1. Parking vehicles or equipment, storage of building materials, refuse, or excavated soils,
or dumping poisonous material on or around trees and roots. Poisonous materials include,
but are not limited to paint, petroleum products, concrete, stucco mix, dirty water or any
material that may be harmful to tree health.
2. The use of tree trunks as a backstop, winch support, anchorage, as a temporary power
pole, signpost or other similar function.
3. Cutting of tree roots by utility trenching, foundation digging, placement of curbs and
trenches, or other miscellaneous excavations without prior approval of the Certified
Arborist.
4. Soil disturbance or grade change.
5. Drainage changes.
Verification of Tree Protection
The project contractor shall verify in writing that all pre-construction tree preservation conditions
have been met as follows:
1. Tree fencing installed
2. Erosion control secured
3. Tree pruning completed
4. Soil Compaction preventive measures installed
5. Tree maintenance schedule established, and the responsible party designated
6. Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)
The Project Manager, the City Arborist, City’s construction inspector, and the contractor must sign
this verification.
C. Activities During Construction and Demolition Near Trees
Soil disturbance or other damaging activities within the TPZ is prohibited unless approved by the
Certified Arborist and mitigation for specific injuries is implemented. No encroachment within 5
feet of a trunk will be permitted under any circumstances.
Trenching, Excavation and Equipment Use
Trenching, excavation or boring within the TPZ shall be limited to activities approved by the
Certified Arborist or either the Director of Engineering Services, Director of Public Works, the
Director of Parks and Recreation, or Director of Planning and Building. Explore alternatives for
trenching outside the root zone. Avoid exposing roots during hot, dry weather. Backfill trenches as
soon as possible with soil and soak with water the same day. Small roots can die in 10 to 15
minutes and large roots may not survive an hour of exposure. If the trench must be left open all
roots must be kept moist by wrapping them in peat moss and burlap.
Section 4: Protection of Trees
During Construction (continued)
12
If Trenching is unavoidable, the following distances should be maintained:
Alternative Methods for Hardscape to Prevent Root Cutting
The following remedies should be considered as an alternative to severing tree roots:
1. Grinding a raised walkway or concrete pad
2. Ramping the walkway surface over the roots or lifted slab with pliable paving
3. Re-routing the walkway around tree roots
4. Permeable paving materials (e.g., decomposed granite), interlocking pavers, or flagstone
walkways on sand foundations
5. Root bridging
D. Tree Maintenance During Construction
Providing adequate maintenance can mitigate stressful changes that occur to a tree ’s
environment during construction. To remain vigorous, the tree needs to maintain stored
carbohydrates and preserve the effectiveness of its growth regulators. It is recommended that as
part of large projects the contractor or developer include and provide:
Irrigation
Providing supplemental irrigation for trees under water stress may be the single most important
treatment. Irrigation should be designed to wet the soil within the TPZ to the depth of the root
zone and to replace that water once it is depleted. Light, frequent irrigation should be avoided.
Create a six-inch berm around trees at the edge of the TPZ and fill with no more than six inches of
mulch. Fill the basin with water. Irrigation should wet the top two to three feet of soil to replicate
similar volumes and normal seasonal distribution.
Soil Compaction Mitigation
To prevent negligent encroachment into the TPZ, trees to be preserved during construction must
always have the specified type of protection fences in place. Removal of fences, even temporarily,
to allow deliveries or equipment access is not allowed unless approved by the Certified Arborist
and a Root Buffer is installed. The Root Buffer components: mulch, gravel and plywood, must be
maintained continually to assure its effectiveness against soil Compaction.
Dust Control
During periods of extended drought, wind or grading, trunks, limbs and foliage should be sprayed
with water to remove accumulated construction dust.
TRUNK DIAMETER (measured at 4.5 feet above natu-
ral grade)
DISTANCE FROM OF THE TRUNK
ON BOTH SIDES
Up to 9 inches 5 feet
10-14 inches 10 feet
15-19 inches 12 feet
over 19 inches 15 feet
Section 4: Protection of Trees
During Construction (continued)
13
A. Tree Removal Objectives
Public trees are considered an important asset of the city. As such, it is the practice of the city to
preserve trees whenever possible. There are certain conditions in which a tree must be removed,
such as when it is considered an emergency. This includes trees identified as an imminent hazard
and/or trees that exceed the threshold of risk. Other conditions require the review and approval of
the arborist.
B. Removal Criteria
Trees will be removed only when one or more of the following criteria are met:
1. It is the City of Santa Ana’s Tree Removal Policy to deny removal of any tree on the
City’s Designated Species list and to make repairs to the hardscape.
2. It is the City of Santa Ana’s Tree Removal Policy to deny removal of any tree species
that is not on the City of Santa Ana Designated Species List and not causing significant
infrastructure damage.
3. It is the City of Santa Ana’s Tree Removal Policy to approve removal of any tree
species that is not in the City of Santa Ana Designated Species Guide and causing
significant infrastructure damage and to make repairs to the hardscape
4. It is the City of Santa Ana’s Tree Removal Policy to remove a tree if it is dead, diseased
beyond repair, or a hazard to the public.
5. It is the City of Santa Ana’s Tree Removal Policy to place a notice on any tree that is
approved for removal by the policy prior to scheduling for removal.
6. It is the City of Santa Ana’s Tree Removal Policy to bring appeals to this policy to the
Environmental Transportation and Advisory Commission for their decision.
If a public tree’s root system has been found to be elevating the sidewalk to a degree greater than
the city’s policy where the tree’s removal is not an option, and dependent on available funding, the
sidewalk repair will be made using an approved replacement or modification method which best
corrects the sidewalk anomaly while minimizing harm to the tree.
C. Tree Evaluation for Removal
A tree must be evaluated and determined to be hazardous before it can be removed for
hazardous reasons. It is the responsibility of the city to mitigate or abate any known hazardous
condition of a tree that may be of questionable structure or deemed as hazardous. The arborist
shall be responsible for hazard assessment of public trees, and will use the following criteria:
1. If a tree possesses a structural defect that may cause the tree or part of the tree to fall,
and the condition is determined to be imminent, the tree is considered hazardous.
Mitigation pruning or removal should be considered to reduce the level of risk.
2. If the hazardous condition cannot be mitigated or reduced to a less than significant
level, then the tree shall be authorized by the city to be removed to abate the condition.
Section 5: Tree Removal
14
Evaluation of other factors that contribute to tree failure shall be considered, including the
following:
1. Structural defects in the tree, including branches, trunk, and roots.
2. Potential unintended objects, including people, structures, or property use and
occupancy.
Advanced assessment methods can include an evaluation of structural defects utilizing current
methods of internal decay inspection available; soil/slope and/or creek bank stability; individual
species’ susceptibility to failure; pruning; history; decay weaknesses and any other compromising
or pertinent factors considered. This is an option or may be considered for high value trees.
Evaluation of unintentional objects shall consider structures or activities under or around the tree
(e.g., building, parking, pedestrian, recreational, utility lines, hardscape, etc.). Occupancy shall
consider frequency of use, and whether the unintended object will be present when failure occurs.
Consideration shall be given to whether the unintended object can reasonably be removed or
isolated to mitigate the hazard.
Section 5: Tree Removal
15
The City should develop a master street tree management plan that incorporates policy goals,
designated street trees, species diversity, planting space criteria, and drought tolerance.
A. Tree Planting Specifications
The following specifications pertain to all trees that are to be planted within the public right -of-way
or on publicly owned property:
1. Replacement trees should be selected from the street tree masterplan for
recommended species.
2. The location of a replacement tree shall be subject to the approval of the arborist. A
replacement tree shall be planted in a reasonable location as close as possible to the
removed tree, unless otherwise noted in an approved streetscape or master planting
plan.
3. The minimum size planting area for the tree species will be dictated by the street tree
master plan .
B. Planting Stock and Materials
1. Quality
a. All plants and trees installed within the city shall conform to most current ANSI
Z60.1 standard.
b. Plants shall be sound, healthy, vigorous, and free of plant disease and insect
pests and their eggs.
c. Container stock shall be grown for at least eight months in containers and shall
not be root bound or have girdling roots.
d. Trees shall not have been topped.
e. Nursery stakes shall be removed; unless deemed necessary by the city arborist
when the tree is installed in the ground .
2. Miscellaneous Materials
When deemed necessary by the arborist, the following materials shall be used:
a. Support stakes shall be treated or untreated two -inch diameter lodge pole pine
without the use of cross braces.
b. Tree ties shall be used and installed in a figure eight fashion to support the tree
to the stakes at the bending point of the trunk.
c. Screened untreated mulch shall be used that are one-half to one inch in size and
spread to a two-inch depth out to the edge of the root ball. The mulch shall be
kept at least six inches away from the trunk and shall be applied to each tree at
two times the diameter of the tree root ball.
d. Where appropriate for use along public sidewalks, 12-inch linear root barrier shall
be used and shall be ten feet in length and placed on center with the tree and on
the sidewalk or curbside only. Root barrier boxes or barrier circles that encircle
the tree are not approved. Species selection should be suitable to minimize
infrastructure conflicts.
e. Where sidewalk and parkway width are less than eight feet and new trees will be
installed, tree well designs should consider reduction of trip hazards as approved
by the arborist.
f. Stem guard devices are recommended for new trees in turf areas to help reduce
damage to lower trunks by weed trimmers.
Section 6: Replacement and
Planting of Trees
16
C. Planting Site Preparation
All debris, wood chips, pavement, concrete and rocks over two inches in diameter shall be
removed from the planting pit to a depth dictated by the root ball size of the tree being installed,
unless approved otherwise by the arborist.
D. Planting in Difficult Soil Conditions
1. Trees planted in turf areas shall have a ring of mulch. The turf shall be maintained a
minimum of one foot from the new tree stem, with mulch placed on top of the root ball.
The mulch shall be six inches away from and not touching the tree stem.
2. Occasionally, tree planting must occur in poor or difficult soil where standard planting
techniques will result in poor-to-average performance or mortality. In this case,
alternative or specified soils, such as engineered, amended or structural urban tree soil
mix, including written specifications and physical samples, shall be submitted for
approval by the arborist.
3. Planting Cue Card from International Society of Arboriculture located in Appendix C.
Section 6: Replacement and
Planting of Trees (continued)
17
Common Name Botanical Name
Drought
Tolerant Type
Parkway
Size in
Feet
Trim
Cycle
Years
1 African Sumac Rhus Iancea Yes Evergreen 4 to 5 1
2 Australian Willow Geijera parviflora Yes Evergreen 4 to 5 3
3 Bottle Tree Brachychiton populneus Yes Evergreen 5 to 8 3
4 Brisbane Box Lophostemon confertus Yes Evergreen 5 to 8 4
5 Camphor Cinnamomum camphora Evergreen 8 4
6 Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis Yes Evergreen 5 to 8 2
7 Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia Yes Evergreen 8 2
8 Coast Live Oak
*California Native Quercus agrifolia Evergreen 5 to 8 4
9 Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica Yes Deciduous 2.5 to 4 4
10 Gold Medallion Cassia leptophylla Evergreen 5 to 8 2
11 Holly Oak Quercus ilex Evergreen 5 to 8 4
12 Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos Yes Deciduous 4 to 5 2
13 Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia Semi-
Evergreen 5 to 8 2
14 Pink Trumpet
(Lavender Bloom)
Handroanthus impetiginosus
(Tabebui ipe)
Semi–
Evergreen 4 to 5 4
15 Southern Magnolia
(Magnolia-Samuel Sommer) Magnolia grandiflora Evergreen 5 to 8 3
16 Modesto Ash
*California Native Fraxinus velutina Deciduous 5 to 8 4
17 New Zealand
Christmas Tree Metrosideros excelsus Yes Evergreen 4 to 5 5
18 Peppermint Tree Agonis flexuosa Evergreen 5 to 8 1
19 Queen Palm Syagrus romanzoffianum
(Arecastrum romanzoffianum)
Evergreen 2.5 to 4 1
20 Sycamore Alamo Platanus mexicana ** Deciduous 5 to 8 4
21 Sycamore California
*California Native Platanus racemose ** Deciduous 5 to 8 4
22 Sycamore London Plane Platanus hispanica
(Platanus acerifolia) ** Deciduous 5 to 8 4
23 Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera Deciduous 8 4
** Drought tolerant once established
Section 7: Approved Street Tree
Palette
18
A. Community Forestry Objectives
Education is an integral and primary element of a city’s urban forest. Education tempers the use of
regulations by empowering citizens. The City believes citizens will act responsibly if given the
information they need to make sound decisions.
Distinct educational strategies can be developed to reach a wide range of affected people,
including the general public, the development community (property owners, architects, realtors,
investors, builders, and contractors), public agencies, and educational institutions. The common
factor in educating these groups is to provide them with information about how proper tree
planting, maintenance, and protection can contribute to and enrich the quality of life.
Additionally, awareness will be raised surrounding benefits of trees and the urban forest as a
whole. Information circulation places trees and their care in front of the public and allows them to
learn, understand, and relate to the City’s forest management program. Additionally, public tree
and community forest knowledge is raised, either through the Tree City USA celebrations, city
social media, presentations, press releases, handouts, or conversations, raising the tree
awareness of citizens will have a significant positive affect on the community forest at large.
B. Public Relations
There are several effective methods available for raising the awareness of citizens in
terms of tree care. Many citizens are unaware that there are resources for information regarding
proper tree selection, planting, and maintenance. As funding is available, the City will make efforts
to employ the following methods to educate its citizens and its staff.
1. Direct Public Relations are practiced when any city employee discusses tree care or
tree issues with members of the public. Employees who have primary contact with the
public concerning urban forest management issues will be trained to answer questions
properly. Staff will carry International Society of Arboriculture handouts describing
common tree issues and proper practices that can be easily distributed. Staff will also
participate in regional tree related activities.
2. Indirect Public Relations are no less important than direct public relations and can often
reach a larger audience. The City will provide news releases when appropriate, hold
Arbor Day events, provide exhibits in local fairs, and provide educational programs and
material to schools. City social media will be the primary platform to disseminate
information on urban forestry.
C. Distribution of Education Material
The City will make efforts to develop and provide education material to be used as handouts,
displays, and web-based resources. The City will develop an approach to educating its citizens
and provide some of the following education material: flyers, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures,
maps, and informational signs. Materials will be developed into infographics, diagrams, and visual
representations where applicable to best convey messaging. In addition, the City will develop a
section dedicated to the Urban Forest Management program on its website which will include links
to educational materials, contact information and general tree care information.
Section 8: Education and
Community Outreach
19
D. Tree City USA
The City will make every effort to maintain the Tree USA status or become a Tree City USA. There
are many benefits to becoming designated as a Tree City USA that has immediate benefits for our
community. This includes a framework for community forest standards: it elevates the public image of
the City and of citizen pride, provides access to urban forestry related financial assistance and
provides opportunities for good direct public relations.
To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet four standards established
by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.
These standards were established to ensure that every qualifying community would have a viable
Citywide tree program.
1. A Tree Board or Department
2. A Tree Care Ordinance
3. A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita
4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation.
E. Tree Advisory Commission – Environmental Transportation Advisory Commission (ETAC)
1. The duties of ETAC shall consist of acting in an advisory capacity to the city council in
the study, review, and recommendations with regard to the removal, planting, replanting
or disposition of public trees in the public right of way. ETAC shall review and make
recommendations regarding requests for public tree removal by individual property
owners, neighborhood associations, or developers. The ETAC shall make
recommendations on designated species for specific streets and neighborhoods.
2. ETAC will assist in the dissemination of news and information regarding the protection,
maintenance, removal and planting of public trees on public property to the city council
and citizens of the City of Santa Ana.
3. ETAC, when requested by the city council, shall consider, investigate, make finding,
report and recommend upon any special matters of question coming within the
scope of the urban forest.
4. The duties of ETAC shall also consist of acting in an advisory capacity to the city
council, in the study, review, and recommendation related to master planning of
transportation and streetscape matters, and guiding principles on Water and
Wastewater matters.
5. The ETAC shall provide general input regarding the City's Circulation Element, the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, and Citywide Complete Streets, and advice on
major surface transportation programs. ETAC may also provide input on street
environment, streetscape, and right of way aesthetics.
The commission will involve a diverse group of interested people such as city employees, volunteers,
city council representatives, parks personnel, local business people, civic groups, etc.
Section 8: Education and
Community Outreach (continued)
20
A. Urban Wood Recycling Objectives
This program supports the Urban Forestry Management Plan t o ensure the sustainability of the
urban forest. The goal is to maximize sequestered carbon and utilize removed trees in the most
efficient method possible.
This effort is to utilize trees removed from urban environments for their highest potential
environmental value. Environmental benefits are realized by diverting wood that would otherwise
populate landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are released through traditional
disposal processes. Co-benefits include sourcing local raw materials for construction, maximizing
benefit from trees being removed, and displaying urban wood products in the community - telling
the story of the City in which the trees matured.
B. Tree Recycling Plan
1. Trees that are removed are subject to be potentially repurposed for their highest use.
This includes, but is not limited to, being milled into lumber, left in public spaces as
natural architecture including wildlife habitat or crafted into useable products such as
benches, picnic tables, new construction elements and / or other wood crafts/projects.
2. City commits to one urban wood project each year subject to funding and resources
availability.
3. Suggested resources for wood processing can be found at urbansalvagedwoods.com &
urbanwoodnetwork.org.
4. The selection criteria for urban wood shall be made at the discretion of the arborist.
5. Should wood not be eligible for repurposing into product, trees may be disposed as part
of the City’s green waste practices, mulched or other biomass products for use in the
community, whenever possible.
C. Species Replacement Plan
1. Tree replacement criteria should include a consideration for end of life uses. For trees
that are removed, with the potential for urban wood, a replacement tree from the
Replacement Sustainable Species List (Appendix D) will be considered for replant.
2. Trees will be replaced if they meet City standards and from the Approved Species List.
D. Urban Wood Public Construction Projects
1. Use of the certification standards as set by the Urban, Salvaged, or Reclaimed Woods
Network and endorsed by the Urban Wood Network is recommended to ensure quality.
(https://urbansalvagedwoods.com/standards-for-certification-and-chain-of-custody-for-
urban-salvaged-and-reclaimed-woods/)
2. Urban wood should be considered in all city projects. To gain the maximized benefits of
repurposed lumber from city trees, it is recommended that developers and contractors
consider using urban wood in any new or modified public construction development that
takes place within the city limits.
3. This measure assures that the market for the City of Santa Ana ’s urban wood is local
and sustainable, maximizing the benefit of repurposed lumber from urban trees.
4. It is suggested that urban wood utilization plans be approved by the City of Santa Ana ’s
planning department, if applicable. When approval is required, all project scope details
shall be in accordance with all municipal construction and/or building code standards.
Section 9: Urban Wood Recycling
Program
21
ANSI A300: Standards for Tree Care Operations
ANSI Z133: Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations
ANSI Z60.1: Nursery Stock Standard
Guide for Plant Appraisal, Current Edition
ISA Tree Risk Assessment BMP
ISA Tree Pruning BMP
California JPIA Tree Inspection and Maintenance Policy
Tree Care for Birds and Other Wildlife BMP
https://www.urban-forestry.com/city-trees-roundtables
http://www.isa-arbor.com/education/onlineresources/cadplanningspecifications.aspx
http://www.ansi.org
https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/
Section 10: References
22
Appendix A
Section 11: Appendices
23
Section 11: Appendices
(continued)
Appendix B
Integrated Pest Management Plan Flowchart
24
Section 11: Appendices
(continued)
Appendix C
ISA Tree Planting Cue Card
25
Section 11: Appendices (continued)
Appendix D
Urban Wood Sustainability Species List
Botanical name Common Name Type Height Spread
Growth
Rate
Water
use
Acacia melanoxylon Black Acacia
Ever-
green 40-50 20-30 Fast Moderate
Alnus cordata Italian Alder
Decidu-
ous 40-50 25-30 Fast Moderate
Calocedrus decurrens Incense Cedar
Ever-
green 50-70 15-20 Slow Moderate
Casuarina equisetifolia River she-oak
Ever-
green 60-70 30-40 Moderate Moderate
Ceratonia siliqua Carob tree
Ever-
green 30-40 30-40 Moderate Moderate
Cupressus arizonica Arizona cypress
Ever-
green 30-40 15-20 Slow Low
Dalbergia sissoo Indian Rosewood
Decidu-
ous 45-60 30-40 Moderate Moderate
Eucalyptus camaldu-
lensis River red gum
Ever-
green 45-150 45-105 Fast Moderate
Eucalytpus sideroxylon Red ironbark
Ever-
green 30-90 30-60 Fast Moderate
Fraxinus uhdei
'Majestic Beauty' Majestic Beauty' ash
Decidu-
ous 70-80 50-60 Fast Moderate
Gleditsia tricanthos
var. inermis
Thornless honey
locust
Decidu-
ous 50-60 30-40 Fast Moderate
Grevillea robusta Silk oak
Ever-
green 50-65 25-40 Fast Moderate
Hesperocyparis macro-
carpa Monterey cypress
Ever-
green 45-60 45-50 Fast Moderate
Juglans nigra Black walnut
Decidu-
ous 90-100 60-70 Moderate Moderate
Morus alba 'Fruitless' Fruitless mulberry
Decidu-
ous 20-30 30-45 Fast Moderate
Pinus torreyana Torrey pine
Ever-
green 40-50 30-40 Fast Moderate
Populus fremontii
'Nevada' Western cottonwood
Decidu-
ous 40-80 30-50 Fast Moderate
Prunus caroliniana Prunus caroliniana
Ever-
green 20-30 15-25 Fast Moderate
Orozco, Norma
From:Manuel Escamilla <manueljescamilla@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, October 18, 2021 11:05 PM
To:Ridge, Kristine; Saba, Nabil; eComment
Subject:Re: Item 11 - Urban Forest Management Plan
Dear CityManager Ridge and Director Saba,
Ihavethe following comments regarding the Urban Forest Management Plan:
1. Weshould remove Queen Palms asanacceptable tree. The City should move towards shade trees whenever
possible and transitioning away from palms like those along Main Street.
Iftree well sizes are the main concern formaintaining palms, simple permeable cement pavers would be a
preferable design solution.
2. Observations on theparkway size restrictions
a. The parkway sizelimits (5-8ft) seem to prevent pine trees from being planted on PineStreet.
1
b. Very few areas within the City provide 8 ftparkways required for the Camphor trees that are agreat
addition toCypress Street. Ibelieve itisworth moving towards wider parkway standards within new
developments and during street redesigns.
3. There are some examples oflarge trees planted inrelatively shallow parkways thathave avoided sidewalk
uplift problems. These oaks inthe Eastside neighborhood have done little visible damage tothe1930s sidewalk
they areflanked by. There might be some replicable lessons for sidewalk design or root management techniques
that canbe applied across the City. Preferably withanunderstanding toplant trees with larger canopies and
root systems than would have beenthought feasible.
2
4. Ibelieve the City should alsoundertake ananalysis outlined by theUSDA Forest Service ofwhere the tree
canopy isthriving and where investments need tobemade. This should be astandard part ofthe Urban Forest
Management Plan asourCity undertakes efforts tomitigate heat islandimpacts.
https://canopy.itreetools.org/ - This tool would allow staff to create asimple statistical sampling of
plant/impermeable coverage within the City. However, the City would likely needtohire aconsultant tocreate
afull report with actionable data.
Alternatively, the City could pursue apartnership with Google'sTree Canopy Lab toconduct acanopy analysis
using their system. Themajor downside here being that the Google team hasnotindicated how partnership
cities are selected. Ibelieve that staff members atthe Central Library have an ongoing tech partnership with
Google and might be able tohelp this process along.
https://insights.sustainability.google/labs/treecanopy
My apologies fornot catching this item attheETAC meeting.
All the best,
Manny
bcc: Mayor and Council
3