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CITY OF PLEASANTON URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN | 115 URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 1.3.7 Tree Risk Inspections Living with trees and the countless benefits they provide to our urban areas also involves acknowledging some potential risks associated with trees. The urban forest is interwoven with people, homes, cars, and infrastructure that may be impacted by tree failures. The risks associated with trees can be minimized through routine monitoring and appropriate mitigation efforts. Appendix J provides more details on tree risk assessment and the ISA TRAQ program. Current Practices The City of Pleasanton experiences most tree and branch failures during storm and high wind events, but tree failures can occur in any weather condition. The unpredictable nature of tree failures imposes a need for a more systematic approach to tree management. The City does not have a routine tree risk assessment protocol but inspects trees in response to work orders submitted by residents, hazardous conditions recognized by staff, or after a tree has a limb failure. Appendix J describes findings regarding tree care in high wind areas. Recommendations Implement tree risk assessment and mitigation procedures developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (Smiley et. al. 2017). Develop a periodic tree risk assessment program to inspect City trees, focusing on trees in high occupancy areas. Consider risk when prioritizing trees for removal and replacement. 1.3.8 Tree Maintenance Responsibilities There are some trees in the city where the management responsibility is unclear. Examples include trees that grow on property boundaries, trees planted by residents in the right-of-way without permits, and trees in waterways and wetlands. Current Practices The Public Works Supervisor determines whether the City is responsible for tree maintenance when management responsibility issues arise. This determination is based on past practices, and research of existing documents or agreements regarding maintenance. Recommendations Utilize Appendix P: Tree Maintenance Responsibilities as a guideline to determine tree maintenance responsibilities.