Proactive tree maintenance improves urban forest health and safety
Published on October 09, 2023
Regular tree maintenance is an important component of a healthy urban forest. West Coast Arborists, Inc. is the Menlo Park's primary tree contractor. They perform maintenance on the City’s street and park trees on a five-year cycle.
Maintenance includes:
- A visual inspection of each City tree
- Pruning for vehicle and pedestrian clearance
- Removal of large dead wood
- Addressing structural defects like rubbing branches and over-extended branches
- Young tree structural pruning
- Removal of support stakes and ties when no longer needed by the tree
The benefits of this proactive tree maintenance include improved tree health and longevity, reduced maintenance costs and safer trees. Currently, the City's tree maintenance contractor has crews working along the residential streets of District Four.
The City’s efforts are separate from PG&E’s tree maintenance work near power lines. If you see work being done in Menlo Park by Mowbray’s Tree Service, Utility Tree Service or other contractors, it is typically at the direction of PG&E or private individuals.
Street trees are planted in the public right-of-way and may not be removed by residents without City review and approval. If they appear to be unhealthy and in need of inspection, please submit any inquiries or requests through ACT Menlo Park, the city’s reporting system for maintenance and service requests.
Residents may also use ACT Menlo Park to request tree planting in front of their residency. City staff will evaluate the site before determining whether a tree could be planted. Tenants or property owners are responsible for watering the trees and will receive instructions once the tree is planted.