Joe Benassini, the Manager of Urban Forestry Services for the City of Sacramento, responded to citizens concerned about the tree on 16th street coming down with this public email:

All;

The tree in question was removed as a part of the improved streetscape adjacent to the Hot Italian restaurant. The tree had a major limb failure and had other structural problems that might not have been apparent to a passer by. The City Arborist made the call to remove and replace the tree and include an irrigation system in an effort to improve the canopy cover, not to lessen it. The cost of removal and replacement was borne by the applicant, not the city. The fact that the tree was not posted was an oversight by the arborist. However, posting is not required by the City Code. It is done as a matter of our general policy.

There are no plans to remove all liquidambars. However, the City Council has requested that staff review options for removal of trees that are often problematic, including liquidambars and other trees, due to root intrusion or other issues. City code allows a process for individuals to request removal and replacement of street trees, but it is by no means automatically granted.

The mission of the urban forestry division is to support a safe, healthy, and sustainable urban forest for Sacramento's communities. While it may not always be apparent, our decisions are based on the best interest of the residents, property and business owners, and visitors to Sacramento.

Joe Benassini
Manager, Urban Forestry Services
Department of Transportation
City of Sacramento