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URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES <br />1.3.4 Infrastructure Conflicts <br />An infrastructure conflict exists when the proximity of a tree's canopy, roots, or trunk <br />poses a risk of damage to adjacent buildings, roofs, roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters or <br />sewer lines. Appendix K: Tree and Sidewalk Conflict Solutions provides guidelines for <br />decision-making when various tree -related infrastructure conflicts arise, and Appendix <br />L: Sidewalk Solutions provides specific options to mitigate conflict between a tree and <br />sidewalk damage. <br />Current Practices <br />The most common tree and infrastructure conflicts in Pleasanton involve tree roots <br />impacting sidewalks, sewer lines, curbs, or gutters. The Operations and Maintenance <br />- Streets and Signs Division of Public Works is responsible for addressing sidewalk <br />repairs in Pleasanton and was not able to provide specific annual costs for tree -related <br />infrastructure repairs due to a lack of available records on these costs. A study by <br />McPherson (2000) indicates that California cities allocate approximately 30% of their <br />tree budgets to addressing infrastructure conflicts, which includes mitigative tree work, <br />prevention, and litigation. Similarly, about 30% of all liability claims filed against the City <br />of Pleasanton are related to these tree infrastructure conflicts. <br />Recommendations: <br />■ Proper species selection in the planting phase will help minimize the frequency of <br />costly infrastructure conflicts. Refer to Appendix C: Recommended Tree Species <br />List. <br />■ Consult Table 1-10 to determine the most appropriate mitigation option when <br />presented with an infrastructure conflict. Also refer to Appendix K: Tree and <br />Sidewalk Conflict Solutions. <br />110 1 CITY OF PLEASANTON URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN <br />