40/42 Caledonia Street

Spring 2011 – approximately 18-inch diameter limb failure from mature Ficus, retuse, nitida (Indian Laurel Fig) fronting 40 and 42 Caledonia – arborist’s report commissioned. Arborist’s Report states that the trees have, “…outgrown this location and (are) not intended for such a restricted space.” (Ed Gurka, Consulting Arborist, report dated April 18, 2012, page 4). Trees posted and a news release in Sausalito Currents of June 1, 2012 notifies community that the Department of Public Works had identified the need to remove the two very large trees.

After posting the trees, the Department received comments from concerned residents asking if any alternative measures could be taken instead of complete removal of the trees. The Department consulted with the original arborist and with another arborist to determine if other measures could be taken, including cabling supports and/or significant pruning, to allow the trees to remain while still ensuring safety to persons and property. In addition, the Department recognized the merits of comments received that removal of the Ficus without a plan for replacement or other mitigation of the loss to the Caledonia streetscape would be short-sighted in the absence of an imminent hazard.

Owner of property at 40 and 42 Caledonia has acquired building permits that require (among other things) that the frontage of the property comply with the California Building Code for accessibility – requiring significant replacement of sidewalk sections uplifted by roots from the two Ficus. Under City code, damage to sidewalks and underground utilities caused by City trees is the financial responsibility of the City. Taking into account the age and magnitude of deferred maintenance on the Ficus trees as well as the apparent extent of the sidewalk and utility damage caused by the trees, the decision to remove the trees and have their root balls grubbed out made in June 2012 has been reaffirmed. In order to ensure that the concerns raised by members of the community when the decision was first reached are addressed, Staff proposes to mitigate for the loss of the two mature Ficus by the purchase, placement and maintenance of three (3) Ficus of the same variety in pre-cast concrete containers similar to those in Municipal Parking Lot 1.

modification to the number of trees to be placed, change in the type of tree to be used (not all trees are suitable for planting in containers), placement of in-ground replacements to the extent that suitable locations can be found, or determine that no replacements shall be made.

Staff has recommended an inexpensive alternative that can be readily accomplished once the Ficus have been removed and the sidewalk reconstructed. According to Paul and Ursula Leffingwell, Tristania laurina were planted to replace the Ficus lost after the devastating cold spell more than 25 years ago. The Tristiana were selected by a group of horticultural experts and the tree committee including Mary Ann Sears. “They have for the most part provided an aesthetic, unifying as well as modifying element to counter the great variety of building styles on the street. They have generally not lifted sidewalks, provide shade, especially on the south side, and are environmentally important for air purification on this busy street.” Several locations where there are existing in-ground street trees would benefit from replacement and improved maintenance The City’s maintenance division professional services budget is almost entirely devoted to mitigation of fallen limbs and removal of dangerous trees from public lands and rights-of-way. The FY12/13 budget for DPW Operations – Professional Services (including contract arborist’s services, pruning, removals, chipping and emergency response), is $42,000 – 99% of which has been expended as of this date. One tree alone, a Monterey Pine in the right-of-way on Cazneau, cost the City $12,500 to clear fallen branches and then fell and remove the remaining de-stabilized tree.

Adopt a motion approving the removal of the two Ficus and replacement with three (3) Ficus in containers to be placed and maintained in suitable locations along the affected frontage of Caledonia -- or an alternative