2002 Newsroom Archive

Hazardous English Elm Trees at Cesar Chavez Plaza Park to be Removed

Sacramento California, June 20, 2002 – Recently, the City’s Tree Services arborist performed a hazardous tree evaluation on six English Elm trees at Cesar Chavez Plaza Park. An aerial inspection was performed on each of the Elms to determine the structural integrity of the trees. The City arborist found that each tree was at risk of significant limb failure. The English Elms are located at the southwest, northeast, and northwest corners of Cesar Chavez Plaza Park.

Over the past few years the English Elms have been pruned twice by City Tree Services. Any additional pruning for weight/crown reduction and the installation of a bracing system is not possible due to the extent of decay in the primary and secondary scaffold limbs. The City arborist has recommended the removal of all six trees.

This past week the City secured the services of an outside arborist to obtain a second opinion and perform a thorough inspection and evaluation of each English Elm tree. The conclusion of the outside arborist mirrors the City arborist – immediate removal of all six trees.

“Based on these evaluations the City of Sacramento has decided to move forward with the removal of the English Elm trees in 30 days,” said deputy city manager Richard Ramirez. “Notices will be posted informing the public that the trees will be removed; however, if any of the trees pose an immediate hazard to public safety the City will take immediate steps to remove the trees without delay.” The City’s Tree Services staff will plant new disease resistant trees that grow relatively fast and provide an excellent canopy.