Concerns are mounting in Ukiah over the potential removal of iconic Chinese Pistache trees along School Street, driven by a petition that has garnered approximately 2,300 signatures on Change.org. The petition, initiated by local resident Dennis O’Brien, claims that a city improvement project could lead to the removal of these beloved trees, which have stood for over sixty years, providing shade and beauty to the downtown area.
City officials, however, maintain that the petition is premature. Shannon Riley, the Assistant City Manager, emphasized that there are currently no plans or funding in place to cut down the trees. Instead, the city is in the early stages of a year-long planning study for a downtown improvement project that aims to address aging infrastructure, including sidewalks and underground utilities.
Riley acknowledged the concerns raised by the community but reiterated that the existing trees pose challenges. Their roots have damaged city water lines, compromised the foundations of nearby buildings, and caused sidewalks to buckle. “Is tree replacement one of the options being evaluated? Of course,” she stated, adding that the city is considering planting a more suitable tree species that would better coexist with urban infrastructure.
Efforts to revamp School Street would also include replacing aging sidewalks, upgrading water and sewer lines, and potentially converting part of the street to one-way traffic. Riley noted that the city has received a grant to conduct planning studies, but no further steps can be taken until state funding is secured.
The community has been engaged throughout the planning process, with two public workshops already held and a final meeting scheduled for December 11, 2023. Riley highlighted the extensive outreach efforts, including walking tours with engineers, interviews with local business owners, and an interactive online tool for residents to share their opinions.
Local resident Cassie Taaning expressed her initial dismay upon hearing about the possibility of tree removal. However, after learning more about the situation, she recognized the necessity for infrastructure improvements. “The trees were planted 60 years ago, and they live about 150 years,” she noted. She also pointed out that the trees’ growth has caused safety issues, particularly for elderly pedestrians due to uneven sidewalks.
Taaning suggested that the city should consider replacing the Pistache trees with a species that would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also ensure safety for pedestrians. She emphasized the importance of thoughtful urban planning, stating, “Beneficial, long-term planning is a thing. Not so much 60 years ago. Live and learn.”
Riley reiterated that every tree has a lifespan and that thoughtful planning can lead to successful urban landscaping. She cited examples of newly planted trees in the downtown area that have thrived despite their environments. “Trees planted in ideal conditions—with larger tree wells, irrigation, and engineered soil—can flourish without damaging their surroundings,” she explained.
As the community awaits the upcoming meeting, the dialogue surrounding the future of School Street and its trees continues to evolve. Riley remains optimistic about gathering input from residents, asserting that the city is committed to addressing both community concerns and infrastructure needs.
