City May Trim Back Tree Care in Public Right of Way

The responsibility for trimming hundreds of trees in the public right of way could be shifted from the city to residents if the City Council adopts a new tree maintenance policy at its meeting tonight.

In March, the council tentatively endorsed a plan to have the city continue trimming only the street trees that are located downtown and along Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, thereby shifting responsibility for trimming about 400 other trees to the owners of abutting properties.

The city already has notified the more than 200 affected households, and some residents have said they would rather the trees be removed.

The proposed policy shift has alarmed former City Councilwoman Ann Christoph, who helped create an inventory of trees that are considered especially valuable because of their size, age or unusual characteristics. In a letter to the council, Christoph said the city should spend more, not less, money to care for its trees.

“This is a terrible way to treat both property owners and the trees,” the letter said. “It is a great incentive for property owners to have the trees removed.”

Municipal Services Director Terry Brandt, who backs the policy change, acknowledged Monday that residents might simply have the trees removed. But overall, Brandt said, the new policy would be good for the city, which until now has not had a standardized policy regarding tree maintenance. The shift in policy also would save the city money.

“What we’re trying to do is come up with a coherent, cohesive and equitable tree-trimming policy,” he said.