A community uproar has emerged in Ukiah, California, over the potential removal of iconic Chinese Pistache trees along School Street as part of a proposed downtown improvement project. An online petition advocating for the trees has garnered approximately 2,300 signatures on Change.org, reflecting residents’ concerns about their removal.
The petition, initiated by local resident Dennis O’Brien, claims that the City of Ukiah plans to remove these beloved trees, which have been a staple of the downtown area for over sixty years. O’Brien did not respond to inquiries regarding the petition, but many residents are alarmed by the prospect of losing these trees, which provide essential shade during the summer and vibrant colors in the fall.
City officials, including Shannon Riley, the Assistant City Manager, have responded to the growing concern, stating that there are no immediate plans to cut down the trees. Riley emphasized that the petition is premature, as funding for any downtown project is not yet secured.
Current issues related to the trees, despite their aesthetic appeal, include their roots damaging underground utilities and causing sidewalks to buckle. Riley acknowledged that replacing the Chinese Pistache trees with a more suitable variety is one of the options under consideration in the ongoing planning study for downtown improvements.
“The goal is to address the aging infrastructure, which includes sidewalks and water and sewer lines,” Riley explained. “We received a grant for planning studies, but no funding is available yet to initiate any project.”
Riley noted that the city has engaged the community through multiple channels, including two public workshops, walking tours, and an interactive online tool for feedback. A third community meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2023, at the Ukiah Conference Center.
Concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of nearby buildings, with some experiencing issues like doors that do not open correctly due to tree root interference. Riley highlighted that the ongoing study aims to gather community input on desired improvements and potential solutions.
Local resident Cassie Taaning shared her initial distress upon hearing about the possible removal of the trees. However, after learning more about the situation, she expressed her understanding of the city’s challenges. “The trees were planted 60 years ago, and while they have beautiful autumn foliage, they are too large for urban settings,” Taaning stated. “Their roots are pushing up the sidewalks, creating hazards for pedestrians, especially the elderly.”
Taaning believes that while preserving the community’s charm is important, it is also essential to consider the long-term viability of urban planning. “We need sidewalks that are safe and trees that are appropriate for the environment,” she concluded.
Riley assured residents that all options, including planting new tree varieties in preparation for eventual removal, are being thoroughly explored. “Each tree has a lifespan. We have learned from the Downtown Streetscape project that trees can thrive in proper environments without causing damage to their surroundings,” she noted.
As the city continues its planning efforts, officials remain committed to transparency and community engagement. The upcoming session on December 11 is expected to provide further opportunities for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to the future of School Street.
