Following a unanimous vote by the Town Council on May 6, Corte Madera has updated its list of acceptable street tree species, replacing the old list adopted in 1966. The new list aims to provide a more forward-thinking and resilient approach to tree planting, taking into account the increasing volatility of the climate.
Key Features of the New List
- More resistant to pests and environmental changes
- Limiting potential infrastructure damage
- Greater emphasis on drought and fire resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Adaptability to climate change
- High carbon sequestration capabilities
- Pollinator-friendly and native to Marin or California
The new list was developed by town staff, in consultation with the town arborist, ArborScience Inc., local nurseries, and other stakeholders. The goal was to provide a comprehensive resource for property owners and developers, while also ensuring that the chosen species can thrive in a variety of urban environments.
Why the Old List Was Inadequate
The previous list of 16 recommended street trees was adopted in 1966 and was deemed “outdated” by Phoebe Goulden, the town climate official. The old list recommended species such as liquidambar trees, which have caused significant damage to sidewalks and infrastructure.
“I think this is outstanding work,” said Councilmember Eli Beckman. “I really appreciate how this is forward-thinking in terms of making sure we’re selecting trees not just with an eye to our current climate, but with an eye to the more volatile climate that we see slowly coming on.”
The old list also failed to consider the impact of climate change on tree planting. Beckman called it “backwards,” saying that it recommended species that are not well-suited to the changing climate.
Characteristics of the New List
The new list includes 14 recommended species, each of which meets specific criteria for resilience, sustainability, and adaptability. Some notable features of the list include:
- Bronze loquat, Chinese elm, and fruitless olive are all salt-tolerant.
- The California buckeye, Ray Hartman ceanothus, and toyon species are native to the state.
- The red maple, crape myrtle, and sweet bay are all pollinator-friendly.
- Five species on the list show fall colors, and six are evergreen.
- Seven species have minimal or no pruning requirements.
Some of the recommended species have notable characteristics, such as the ginkgo, which is known for its unique shape, and the arbutus marina, which has a beautiful red foliage.
Challenges and Limitations
Tracy Hegarty, a town planner, noted that some native species were left off the list due to their challenges as street trees. Some oaks species, for example, are susceptible to disease and require intense maintenance.
“So, in short, some native species have challenges as street trees,” Hegarty said. “Some are too sensitive, some are fire prone, some are too big or are not infrastructure friendly or some combination of these things.”
The list does not ban species not on the approved list, but rather serves as a resource for property owners and developers to make informed decisions about tree planting.
Development of the List
The development of the list involved a range of stakeholders, including the town arborist, ArborScience Inc., local nurseries, and public works staff. The goal was to create a comprehensive resource that would provide accurate guidance for property owners and developers.
- Consultation with the town arborist and ArborScience Inc.
- Review of tree lists in other municipalities.
- Discussion with workers at local plant nurseries.
- Review of Fire Safe Marin research.
- Comments from public works staff, the Central Marin Fire Department, and the Corte Madera Beautification Committee.
The list was designed to be flexible and adaptable, taking into account the unique characteristics of each street tree.
Mayor’s Response
Mayor Pat Ravasio praised the development of the new list, saying “This sounds like we’re really putting us on the right road, or the right sidewalk.”
The new list represents a significant step forward for Corte Madera’s urban forest, and provides a framework for property owners and developers to make informed decisions about tree planting.
Conclusion
The adoption of the new list of street tree species marks an important milestone for Corte Madera’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
