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112 | CITY OF PLEASANTON URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN <br />URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES <br />1.3.5 Tree Removal <br />Dead, dying, damaged, and diseased trees represent an <br />inherent elevated level of risk to the public, making a City’s <br />tree removal program an important component of public <br />safety (Miller et. al 2015). In other situations, the need for tree <br />removal isn’t as clear. Decisions regarding tree removal are <br />often tied to the willingness of a city to explore alternatives <br />like sidewalk redesign, root pruning, and other preservation <br />methods like those presented in Table 1-10 above. While it is <br />not possible to preserve all trees in every instance, the City <br />desires to preserve existing trees, which is a positive step to <br />maintaining existing canopy cover. Community involvement <br />in tree removal is crucial to ensure transparency and <br />prioritize preservation efforts. Additionally, considering the <br />environmental impact of tree removal, such as habitat loss <br />and reduced air quality, is essential. Implementing a robust <br />tree replacement strategy is also a key component of a tree <br />removal strategy. <br />Current Practices <br />City staff report that the most common reasons for tree <br />removal in Pleasanton occur due to proposed development, <br />declining tree health, and dead trees. The City ensures that <br />the majority of trees are removed within four to eight weeks <br />of the removal request and that there is no backlog of trees <br />on the removal list by the end of the fiscal year. Appendix <br />J provides information on how to protect trees during <br />construction and development. <br />Recommendations <br /> ƒEnsure all trees listed for removal are removed within one <br />month to limit the City’s potential liability from tree claims. <br /> ƒPrioritize alternatives to tree removal, such as sidewalk <br />redesign and root pruning. These methods can help <br />preserve existing trees and maintain urban canopy cover. <br /> ƒImplement replacements for all City trees removed at a 1:1 <br />ratio or greater. <br /> ƒEvaluate the environmental consequences of tree <br />removal, such as habitat loss and reduced air quality. This <br />assessment can guide decisions to minimize negative <br />impacts. <br />