RES 2025054 - Laserfiche WebLink

removed in the wildfire hazard area, replacement trees should be carefully selected to provide maximum benefits with minimum drawbacks. Tree Removal Priorities The following is a list of conditions that may be considered a priority for tree removal: 1. Trees with structural defects or conditions that make them an imminent risk to public safety and no less drastic means are available to reduce risk. 2. Dead trees 3. Trees with structural deficiencies or poor health where no less drastic means are available to reduce risk. 4. Fast-growing tree species growing beneath high-voltage power lines that have been repeatedly topped. 5. Trees near buildings (less than 10 feet away) that require drastic pruning to meet fire department vegetation spacing requirements. Tree Replacement When a tree is removed from a property in a WUI area of the City, the proposed replacement tree should be of a species appropriate for the conditions on the property. Appropriate species for the WUI areas in the City have the following fire-resistant characteristics (UCANR 2021): ■ Tree species with leaves that retain moisture. Trees with leaves that retain a greater moisture content are less likely to ignite during a fire. • Open growth structure. Trees with an open growth structure have widely separated branches and limbs that are not likely to accumulate dead leaves or catch embers from a fire. ■ Raised crown structure. Tree species that naturally prune or shed branches in the lower crown are less likely to retain dead branches in the lower crown and less likely to be ignited by surface fires. ■ Low litter production. It is normal for all tree species to shed leaves and small branches. However, some species produce low volumes of litter, and those with leaf drop occur during the fall and winter after the fire season has ended. ■ Drought tolerant. Seasonal and extended droughts are a common occurrence in California. Species adapted to regional weather conditions are less likely to produce excessive leaf litter or dieback when the region experiences persistent hot and dry weather. ■ Thick Bark. Thick bark trees, particularly tree species native to the region, are more resistant to damage from fire. Thick, persistent bark (e.g., not shedding or peeling) does not readily ignite or spread fire. Other considerations: ■ Trees planted near electrical lines should be species that do not exceed 30 feet in height when mature. Large shade tree species should not be planted within 50 feet of high-voltage electrical equipment (PG&E 2024). ■ Identify underground utilities before planting, and do not plant trees within 10 feet of a utility line. ■ Size at maturity, including the average maximum height and crown spread. APPENDIX A -WILDFIRE 22 of 219