Along the almost 3-mile long Electric Greenway Trail Project route, there are a total of 629 trees (in both Citrus Heights and Orangevale) within the immediate vicinity of the trail. The overall goal of the project is to preserve as many trees as possible as trees, among other benefits, help to ensure a shaded trail for all to enjoy. However, many trees will require removal due to their existing poor condition. In addition, other trees will be pruned under the direction of arborists to help preserve and maintain safe walking and biking clearances. Finally, some trees will require removal due to trail construction.
Pruning:
As part of the overall project, 314 trees require pruning. Pruning will remove specific branches or stems in an effort to benefit the health of the entire tree. Removal of dead, damaged and diseased branches prevents insect and other non-beneificial organisms from entering the tree. Thinning a dense canopy on a tree will increase air and sunlight, providing increased health and resulting in fewer tree disease problems. Pruning trees also helps them grow and mature in a healthy way in an effort to preserve the trees as long as possible.
Removal of Dead or Dying Trees:
Unfortunately, numerous trees along the Electric Greenway Trail Project route have died or are diseased beyond recovery requiring removal for safety purposes. Along the nearly 3-mile route, 116 trees are recommended by an arborist for removal due to their current condition.
Removal of Trees for Trail Construction:
Along the proposed route, 199 trees are identified for removal as part of the trail construction. This number is based on a worst-case scenario, assuming that the trail will require removal of all trees within the nearby vicinity. The purpose of assuming a worst-case scenario is to ensure the potential environmental impacts are disclosed.
As illustrated below, the environmental document for the Electric Greenway Trail Project assumed a wide area of removal; whereas, in actuality, the trail will meander or utilize other design approaches to greatly reduce tree impacts.
During the final engineering phase, the city will evaluate every opportunity to preserve existing healthy trees. The images below illustrate design techniques that will enable preservation of nearby trees. The use of small retaining walls, meandering trail alignment, and narrowing short stretches of trail are examples of opportunities the city will consider during final design.
In addition to design considerations, a Final Tree Impact Assessment for the project, prepared by an arborist will evaluate all tree impacts in greater detail. This assessment will be based on the final design and identify mitigation approaches necessary to ensure preservation of existing trees proposed to remain. Further, any work conducted within the dripline of any tree to remain will be monitored by an arborist to ensure bestpractices
are followed to minimize the impact of construction on these trees.
As discussed above, the project goal is to preserve as many trees as possible along the Electric Greenway Trail Project alignment. Any trees that are removed will require replacement trees to offset the impact of the project. Replacement trees will be planted along the trail corridor and nearby parks as mitigation. Trees planted as part of mitigation are required to be monitored by an arborist for three years following installation to ensure they are able to thrive.