The Aleppo Pine Tree Removal and Replacement Project (Project) would remove and replace approximately 72 Aleppo Pine trees in the City of Burbank that have been found to be a hazard as a result of two Arborist Reports’ analysis of the trees’ health and risk of catastrophic failure. The Project would involve the removal and replacement of these trees ranging from removal within one to five years, prioritized based on the greatest risk to life and property. Notably, 49 Aleppo Pine trees and one Italian Stone Pine were already removed on an emergency basis in late 2023 and early 2024, and one Aleppo Pine tree failed during windy conditions in March 2024. This MND, conservatively analyzes the potential environmental impact of removing and replacing the trees that have already been removed and the remaining trees, for a total of 122 trees.
The removal of each tree would require approximately one workday (i.e., 8 hours per tree). Work would take place during daytime hours only (from 7 AM to 5 PM) Monday through Friday.
The City of Burbank will replace all Project trees with as large of a tree as the site can accommodate. Replacement trees shall not be smaller than a 36” box sized trees, however the City will make every effort to plant 48” box size trees, which is the largest size most parkways can accommodate. When replanting for the removed Aleppo pines, the City of Burbank will replant at a minimum of one tree for each tree removed. When space permits (depending on safety, species selected, and infrastructure in the parkway that could affect the future growth of the new trees) the City of Burbank will plant more than one tree.
Residents/property owners will have the opportunity to select the replacement tree species for the tree adjacent to their property from the City of Burbank’s Street Tree Master Plan. The Street Tree Master Plan includes an index of species “suitable for planting in city streets,” and excludes species with “overly aggressive growth characteristics, unmanageable health issues, [and] climate incompatibility.” Consequently, Aleppo Pines are no longer included in the Street Tree Master Plan’s index (Appendix C). The cost of the tree, regardless of size, and installation will be paid by the City.
Residents/property owners may also request a slow-release watering bag for the newly planted tree at no cost.
The City would maintain the replacement trees consistent with its existing practices for maintenance of the existing tree.
The IS/MND is available for a 45-day public comment period ending Monday, July 15, 2024. It is anticipated that the Project IS/MND will be presented at the City Council meeting for their consideration on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
