PIEDMONT — The city’s lush urban forest is suffering from California’s second year of drought, the city’s Park Commission heard at its Jan. 6 meeting.
Darya Barar of Hort Science/Bartlett Consulting told commissioners, “the impact is significant, not to be downplayed. Trees’ immune systems are more susceptible to pests and disease with less water. Over time rain (patterns) have changed. The trees are stressed.”
The Chinese pistache and autumn blaze maples around town are somewhat drought-tolerant, but all species of trees are suffering to some degree, she added. Whenever possible, residents are encouraged to water trees on their property or sidewalk strips with a slow stream of water for 45 to 60 minutes a few times a week. Barar said “gator” bags that percolate water slowly to trees’ root systems can be obtained from the city but that watering a lawn is not effective for supplying water to trees.
In other business, interim Public Works Director Nancy Kent updated the panel on a project to replace a water main on Manor Drive. New Public Works Director Daniel Gonzales was to start this week, Kent said.
“The whole street will be repaved,” Kent said. “Coastland Engineering is reviewing preliminary plans. There will be some infill planting of trees to even out the canopy there and safeguard what trees are there now.”
Commissioner Jim Horner said “residents feel left out of the process.” Kent assured Horner that residents will be kept informed as the project moves ahead. Commissioners were concerned about ongoing vandalism to lawn areas in Dracena, Hampton and other parks in town.
“Some pungent vinegar-like substance is being poured on the lawn areas, killing the lawn,” Kent said.
Incidents have gone on for more than a year and are reported to police. No culprit has been identified, and the city has to reseed the damaged areas continually. Commissioners are puzzled as to why the vandalism is occurring.
On the upside, the Piedmont Beautification Foundation has raised $40,000 so far for a handrail and lighting project at Highland and Guilford avenues. The city is obtaining cost estimates for commemorative benches, handrails and lighting that will provide a safe pathway for seniors or others using that area.
City Maintenance Supervisor Nick Millosovich noted that 16,000 flower bulbs were picked up at Half Moon Bay to beautify City Hall along with Caperton and Blair avenues, the Exedra, several planted neighborhood triangles and elsewhere. Also, 15 plum trees and five autumn blaze trees have been planted around town.
Linda Davis is a longtime Piedmont correspondent. Contact her with news tips or comments at dlinda249@gmail.com.
