Diseased Tree Removal and Pruning FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Caltrans determine which trees needed to be pruned or removed?
Caltrans Tree Maintenance personnel initially identified all the areas with diseased and structurally weak trees. An independent, certified arborist then individually evaluated each tree for it's health and long term viability, keeping in mind, the potential for failure which could decrease the safety of motorists and maintenance personnel as well as contribute to private property damage.

2. What about nesting birds? How will they be kept safe from all this tree work?
Caltrans is following all guidelines set forth in the Federal Migratory Bird Act. The contractors removing and pruning the trees will be fully responsible for inspecting trees for nesting birds before any work is to be started at each tree location. The contractor will not be allowed to perform work on or near any trees found to have nesting birds until the birds are done nesting.

3. Will the removed trees be replaced?
Due to the urgent need to remove these trees, there was no scheduled replacement project to replace the removed trees. However, based on available funding and need, Caltrans is currently programming new landscape projects throughout the counties. Areas with the greatest number of trees removed, will be given higher priority when it comes to a landscape rehabilitation project.

4. Can't a pesticide be used to kill the disease causing insects and allow the trees to recover?
At the current stage of disease, the trees slated for removal are already beyond saving. Additionally, there is no known successful treatment for Pine Pitch Canker and Lerp Psyllid.

5. Is there tree removal on designated Scenic Highways and will the removal cause revocation of the Scenic Highway status?
While there will be some tree removal on certain designated Scenic Highways, Caltrans' Office of Environmental Planning has determined that the removals and pruning will have no impact on the designation. The work will ultimately contribute to, rather than detract from, the scenic nature of these highways.

6. There are dead/diseased trees along the freeway adjacent to my house. After reviewing the maps, these trees are not identified. How can I report them?
To the left of the homepage, there is a Contact link. Please identify the location of the tree as best as you can, with Route number, freeway direction , your address and phone number for contact, and any other information that will help us locate the trees.