Sacramento Faces Tree Maintenance Crisis Amid Backlog, Plans Expansion

URGENT UPDATE: Sacramento, known as the “City of Trees,” is grappling with a significant backlog in tree maintenance requests, now taking up to two years for non-emergency issues. As the city’s urban forest continues to grow, residents are expressing deep concerns over safety and upkeep, with many waiting in vain for assistance.

Officials confirm that the backlog has been exacerbated by staffing shortages and unprecedented damage from severe storms in 2023. Residents like Brett Davison from East Sacramento report distressing situations, such as trees encroaching on homes and causing safety hazards. “I have neighbors where it’s gotten under their roof tiles,” Davison said, stressing the urgency of the situation.

Insurance companies are also taking notice, with some residents receiving warnings to address tree issues or risk losing coverage. “Their insurance company flew a drone over their house,” Davison noted, highlighting the serious implications of the city’s inaction.

According to Gabby Miller, a media specialist for Sacramento’s Urban Forestry Division, the city maintains over 100,000 trees across its 100 square miles. However, the city typically processes over 500 service requests a month related to tree issues, which are rising sharply during extreme weather. Emergency requests are prioritized and addressed within one hour, while non-emergency requests often face wait times exceeding a year.

“It’s been frustrating,” Davison expressed, reflecting the sentiments of many residents. The city has been working to resolve the backlog by hiring additional staff and increasing resources for tree care, though full service restoration remains a distant goal.

“Severe storms in 2023 caused unprecedented damage to trees throughout Sacramento,” Miller stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by the city.

Despite the ongoing issues, Sacramento’s city council is pushing forward with plans to expand the urban tree canopy, aiming to double it by 2045. The initiative will focus on enhancing areas currently lacking tree cover but raises concerns about funding, with estimates suggesting an additional $12-13 million annually may be needed to support ongoing maintenance.

Councilmember Pluckebaum remarked, “Voting to increase the tree canopy is like voting for puppy dogs or apple pie,” highlighting the broad support for the initiative. However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, including potential budget cuts and the need for a tax measure to support these expansions.

As the city grapples with these pressing issues, residents like Davison call for immediate action. “I love the trees, but you better have enough maintenance crews to handle what you’ve got going on first before you add any more,” he cautioned.

The situation in Sacramento underscores the growing impact of environmental challenges on urban living. As the city works to balance its identity as the “City of Trees” with the increasing demands of tree maintenance, residents are left waiting for solutions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Sacramento navigates its tree management crisis.