A petition launched by local resident Dennis O’Brien has ignited community concern regarding the potential removal of Chinese Pistache trees along School Street in Ukiah, California. This online initiative, which has garnered approximately 2,300 signatures as of Friday, expresses alarm over the city’s plans for a downtown improvement project that may involve the removal of these beloved trees.
O’Brien’s petition claims that the City of Ukiah is planning an “improvement” project that threatens the six-decade-old trees, known for providing shade in the summer and vibrant colors in the fall. However, city officials assert that the petition is premature. Shannon Riley, the Assistant City Manager, stated that there is currently no funding or immediate plans to cut down the trees.
The discussion around the trees is part of a broader examination of the city’s aging infrastructure. While the Chinese Pistache trees are appreciated for their beauty, their roots have caused significant issues, wrapping around city water lines and threatening the foundations of nearby buildings. Consequently, sidewalks have begun to buckle, leading to safety concerns for pedestrians.
“Is tree replacement one of the options being evaluated? Of course,” said Riley, acknowledging that plans for the downtown project could include replacing the trees with a more suitable variety. The project, which is still in its planning stages, aims to revamp sidewalks, update water and sewer lines, and potentially convert a section of School Street into one-way traffic.
Riley noted that the city has received a grant to conduct planning studies, but no formal project proposal has been submitted, and funding remains uncertain. “We have held two community meetings and scheduled a third one for December 11, 2023,” she explained. “This project has been very widely publicized and has been ongoing for almost a year.”
The community’s apprehension is understandable, according to Riley, who emphasized that while the trees are cherished, the infrastructure requires attention. “If we don’t invest in infrastructure upgrades, it will start to fail,” she stated. The city’s ongoing study serves as a platform to gather feedback from residents about improvements they desire while assessing the potential impacts on the existing trees.
Local resident Cassie Taaning expressed her initial dismay upon learning about the potential tree removal. In an online post, she articulated her love for the trees’ autumn colors but later acknowledged the necessity of addressing the infrastructure issues. “The trees were planted 60 years ago, and they live about 150 years,” she noted, adding that the species might not be suitable for urban sidewalks due to their size and root growth.
Taaning suggested that the community should consider replacing the trees with a variety that also offers beautiful autumn foliage, noting that the city officials should conduct thorough community consultations before implementing any changes. “Beneficial, long-term planning is a thing,” she concluded, advocating for a thoughtful approach to urban development.
Riley reiterated that every tree has a lifespan and emphasized the importance of planting new trees in environments that support their growth without causing damage. “Trees planted in ideal conditions can thrive without destroying their surroundings,” she stated.
With the next community input session set for 5:30 p.m. on December 11 at the Ukiah Conference Center, residents are encouraged to participate and voice their opinions. The city aims to ensure that any future developments reflect the community’s needs and preferences while addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
