[UC] Re. UCD tree mulching - correction & update

[Linda Lee]

Thanks, Karena and J.HA.  I share your concerns about the possible  
disturbance of plantings under trees - some visible (like ground  
covers), and some not visible.  Brian said they will definitely be  
mindful of other plants in the tree pits, and won't mulch tree pits  
whose surfaces are level with the sidewalk/curb UCD (or where there  
are heaving roots).  Before the project begins UCD will circulate  
information about the project via doorknob hangers, and residents can  
contact Brian with any questions/concerns.  UCD isn't looking to do  
anything invasive, just protective (for the curbside trees only).  I  
believe UC Tree Tenders will continue to observe and prune sidewalk  
trees as they've done in the past -- any tree tenders out there who  
can comment on this?


Re. the street cleaning vacuum thingy, I'm sure this is managed by  
some other department at UCD.  You could go to their website and check.


cheers
 L

On Jan 26, 2017, at 9:49 AM, Karena Valentine wrote:

Just curious (disclaimer: I don't live in the area that will be  
impacted by tree mulching): will UCD honor residents who do not want  
their tree pits mulched? Are they also going to maintain sidewalk  
trees in other ways (i.e. timing branches, cleaning up fruit  
dropped, and tending to any instances of disease)? My understanding  
is residents are responsible for the property (including trees) up  
to the curb in front of their house. If UCD is taking it upon  
themselves to start tending people's property, to what extent are  
those responsibilities shared with the homeowner? I know some people  
have plants in the area around tree pits, or add annuals, which UCD  
certainly wouldn't be aware of this time of year, and mulching may  
impact plant growth. Is UCD asking every household whether or not  
they want their trees mulched?


While I respect UCD's efforts to be good stewards of our  
neighborhood, this seems it could be particularly controversial,  
especially if homeowners aren't even consulted on the matter. It's  
good to at least one they're using appropriate (arborist) mulching  
material. I know I would be a little upset if someone came and  
mulched our tree pit without my knowledge or consent.


Just my two cents.
Karena

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[UC] Re. UCD tree mulching - correction & update

[Linda Lee]

Neighbors,

I've had a positive response from Brian with UCD about my mulch  
concerns, along with other info. on the project.  I was given the  
wrong info by the guys raking on my block this morning...  The mulch  
UCD will eventually be putting down in the tree pits will _not_ be  
black mulch; it will be a triple ground mulch of tree bark & roots.   
Brian says they do not use hardwood or dyed mulch.


More...  The area they will be mulching is from Baltimore to Market,  
42nd to 46th.  Brian said they will be careful not to over-mulch,  
considering other plantings in the beds, and will not mulch tree pits  
whose soil line is level with the sidewalk/curb.  They are suspending  
work on this for now, in order to better inform neighbors of their  
plans and allow feedback.


Again, though, make sure the mulch that surrounds your tree(s) is not  
touching the trunk of the tree.*


* APPLYING TREE MULCH [Morton Arboretum]

Spread mulch under trees, shrubs, and throughout planting beds to a  
recommended depth of 3-4 inches for medium to coarsetextured materials.
Pull mulch away from the bases of tree and shrub trunks creating a  
donut-hole.  Do not pile it up against the trunk (“volcano mulching”).  
Excessive mulch on the trunk causes moisture to build up, creating  
ideal conditions for insect pests, diseases, and decay.
Ideally, the mulched area around a tree should extend to the drip line  
of the branches, or at least cover a 4-5 foot diameter area around the  
trunk. The larger the mulched area, the more beneficial.

Check the mulch depth annually and replenish as necessary.



cheers,
  LL