Is there an arborist in the house?
It looks like the days of lounging around the new deck with my buddy L’il Dude are coming to an end. There is a nip in the air even in the early afternoon, and I guess the dog daze of summer are gone.
A quick check of the gutter reveals a combination of colored leaves and acorns from a variety of street trees, confirming my determination that fall is truly upon us.
A few weeks back, I reported on a street tree on Paru Street near Alameda Avenue that had been pruned to within an inch of its life. Since that time, I have been watching the trimming operations of the City of Alameda contractor that does the pruning and wanted to report on my observations.
In my limited research of street tree pruning, there are regulations covering tree branch clearances for high voltage electrical lines which is why you see the “V” shaped pruning where these lines run along the street. According to ChatGPT, CPUC General Order 95, Rule 35 requires a “minimum radial clearance of 18 inches between vegetation and any energized conductor operating at more than 750 volts.” It also notes that the best practices of utilities “often exceed the minimum clearances aiming for around 12 feet of clearance during pruning to allow for future growth and minimum risk.”
I want to be clear that I know nothing about proper pruning techniques, so I am not saying that our street trees are being trimmed incorrectly. But I would like to know if the pictures I have included in this report are in fact the recommended standard and in conformity with best practices. There were some big branches cut off that would have provided some welcome shade, and what I call the “bean pole” trim is less than aesthetically pleasing. Any arborists out there who can comment or send me their evaluation at [email protected]?
Coincidentally, I walked by a recently downed branch of the street tree in front of the Home of Truth on Grand Street at Alameda Avenue this week.
If you haven’t already done so, I think it’s time to get out those winter clothes. My HC (human companion) is already starting to wear the fuzzy hat with the ear flaps and putting on ski gloves.
And be careful driving. Kids are back in school.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
