Summary
The city maintains hundreds of thousands of trees with only 33 forestry FTEs — far below the 77 needed for a 'moderate' service level. Council added 24 FTEs and $4 million, and learned the $1 million tree-program addition covers only about 350 trees, with just 73 left from the original backlog.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Mar 25, 2026.
Impact analysis
$4 million recurring plus added staffing costs; the $1 million tree program covers only ~350 trees.
Residents with hazardous trees, especially in District 3 where trees have sat unaddressed for years.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council Budget Hearings
The city maintains hundreds of thousands of trees with only 33 forestry FTEs — far below the 77 needed for a 'moderate' service level. Council added 24 FTEs and $4 million, and learned the $1 million tree-program addition covers only about 350 trees, with just 73 left from the original backlog.
Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee
The city is hiring Tree Man Services for three years of tree work on major streets, funded entirely by street money. Each district gets a dedicated contractor plus two roving crews; Districts 1 and 3 have the most need right now.
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