Staff reports extensive storm tree work and plans for hundreds of replacement plantings in Eastside neighborhood
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Summary
City staff reported heavy storm-related tree damage and ongoing removal work; the city plans about 275 new plantings on East Maine as part of a two‑year planting grant and will sequence removals and new plantings to avoid hazards.
A committee member reported that city crews have been focused on storm‑related tree work and that tree removal and cleanup remain active operations, and that the city plans a program of replacement plantings in impacted neighborhoods.
Why it matters: the storm produced widespread tree damage in multiple neighborhoods, prompting a prolonged clean‑up and decisions about where to remove damaged trees and where to plant replacements as crews transition back to routine forestry work.
The presenter said the Department of Public Services has received numerous reports about downed or damaged trees and that the city’s arborist has performed extensive site visits. The speaker said crews have hauled away large volumes of tree waste and will resume tree planting as conditions allow; the city has plans under a two‑year grant to perform about 275 plantings along East Maine and in the Eastside neighborhood. The presenter noted some selected removals will precede replanting to avoid placing new trees near dying or hazardous older specimens.
Committee members asked whether the city provides neighborhood education about watering newly planted trees; the presenter said the city’s contractor waters new plantings for the first two years and that neighborhood groups sometimes act as volunteer tree tender caretakers. Members offered practical reminders about weekly watering guidance for new saplings.
No formal motion or vote was taken; the report was informational.