MAINTAINING PUBLIC TREES
The City currently does not prune our public trees.
Due to budget constraints, the City does not prune street and island trees unless they pose a hazard. “Hazard” could mean a limb or tree has significant structural weakness. Therefore, accumulated deadwood – though unsightly -- is not something the City will address. But if you think your street tree poses a hazard, report it to the City Arborist right away: 650-522-7420 or theartquist@cityofsanmateo.org.
Structural pruning for young trees a few years after planting also is an important investment. The City is looking at the feasibility of adding this to its post-planting tree care.​​
Does SMPNA step in here?
Island trees: We want our island trees to develop proper structure and don’t want to see large deadwood buildups. This is where your dues contributions are critical, and where we likely will be deploying funds accordingly:
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The SMPNA identifies and funds structural pruning for young island trees as they are due. ​
(Young tree structural pruning should occur at about 3 - 5 years after planting.) Going forward, we will continue to track new island trees for this care, until the City builds this into their program.
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In early 2000s, SMPNA arranged and funded pruning of our island trees for deadwood removal and proper structure. We did this again in 2019/2020. With sufficient funds, we will do this periodically, as needed.
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We are grateful to the City’s Parks Dept. for expert consultation, permitting, professional oversight, and handling the contracting for projects on City property that we want to fund. The SMPNA is neither authorized nor structured to perform those functions, so without City permits and support they would not happen.
Street trees: It’s always an option for homeowners to prune street trees privately. The property and aesthetic values of attractive, healthy trees along a home’s street frontage make this a solid investment – particularly pruning for proper structure at 3– 5 years after planting. But, be aware: Private pruning of the City’s street trees always requires a permit from the City’s Managing Arborist. How to apply is covered on the City’s website: cityofsanmateo.org/3371/Heritage-Tree-and-Street-Tree-Permits
Do our island curbs get street sweeping?
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San Mateo street curbs are swept once a month. Islands in SMP, however, are scheduled for sweeping only in months when there is a fifth week in the month, so they are swept four times a year. Maybe…
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Those fifth weeks also are when sweeping equipment gets maintenance, if needed, which can interfere with our island service.
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The sweepers aren’t efficient in collecting pine needles.
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Sweepers also are not particularly effective when leaves are wet from recent rain, and they are not sent out during heavy rains.
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In the event of heavy rain, curbs are raked and leaves collected by hand. Pressing “storm duty” problems can interfere with rainy season sweeping and the hand work required can mean that not all curbs are completed. Under those conditions, Public Works does its best.
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Some neighbors periodically sweep island curbs near them. The City’s Landscape Maintenance Department requests that we NOT deposit swept up leaves back onto the islands as they may contain oil and other pollutants from the street. Please deposit in your trash compost bins. Similarly, please, do make sure your gardeners aren’t blowing street tree leaf fall onto the islands.