Urban Forest Services Prepared to Respond to
Tree-related Emergencies

Sacramento, California, December 27, 2006—With over 110,000 City-owned trees within the City of Sacramento and many more privately owned—the source of Sacramento’s designation as “The City of Trees,” the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forest Services (UFS) remains in a high state of readiness to respond to tree related emergencies, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

As temperatures dip, and the number of rain or high winds days increase, UFS’s crews go about their regularly scheduled duties—reforestation, pruning, and whenever necessary, the removal of City-owned trees. In addition to executing these duties, UFS is always prepared to activate its emergency response services. UFS’s emergency response services are activated when uprooted trees or broken branches block traffic or pose a hazard. In such instances, emergency response crews will arrive on scene and work diligently to restore the free-flow of traffic or abate hazardous situations.

UFS previously established a dedicated telephone number and response system for residents to report tree-related emergencies. Residents can access this system by calling UFS at, (916) 808-6345; or the City Operator at, (916) 264-5011.

“High wind events coupled with saturated soil conditions are our greatest concern during the winter months,” said Joe Benassini, Urban Forest Services Manager. “City crews respond to publicly owned trees. Residents and property owners with concerns about privately owned trees should consult a qualified arborist.”

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages residents to report tree-related emergencies by contacting Urban Forest Services at, (916) 808-6345; or the City Operator at, (916) 808-5011.

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