Citywide Greening Initiative Reaches The Sunset District

By Jonathan Farrell

Mayor Gavin Newsom's ambitious plan to plant 5,000 trees annually is to include the Sunset District. As part of his "Greening Initiative, the SF Department of Public Works (DPW), Friends of the Urban Forest and others are helping Newsom achieve the goal.

San Francisco has the least amount of trees per capita than any other major city in the nation and Newsom wants to change that. Environmental concerns, such as global warming, have become part of public policy.

His effort began in 2004. More than 20 people gathered for a community meeting with representatives of DPW on March 27 at the County Fair Building, on Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way, to discuss the details.

Landscape architect Andrea Alfonso of the Bureau of Urban Forestry division of DPW made a presentation outlining the range of streets in the Sunset that will be planted with trees. They are: Irving Street, from Second Avenue to Great Highway; Judah Street, from Sixth Avenue to 44th Avenue; Ninth Avenue, from Lincoln Way to Lawton Street; Taraval Street, from Claremont Boulevard to the Great Highway; Quintara Street, from 24th Avenue to the Great Highway; and Ortega Street, from 24th Avenue to the Great Highway.

"Having trees along city streets enhances air quality and beautifies an area," Alfonso said. "More trees help reduce storm-water run-off by providing a permeable surface to the ground."

Having more trees also promotes safety, Alfonso said.

"Studies have shown that trees help reduce the speed of traffic and encourages a safer walking environment for pedestrians," she said. "Trees also attract more foot traffic to an area, which is good for business."

Craig Dawson, a local merchant who organized the meeting, said that while the process takes time it is well worth the effort. He is eager to get residents to respond as to what type of tree they want in their neighborhood. Alfonso illustrated with charts and graphs the importance of selecting the right type of tree for a given area.

A deciduous tree (one that drops leafs once a year) is desirable.

Gloria Chan of DPW explained: "Trees that dig their roots too deep into the soil break the sidewalk. They can disrupt underground systems, such as cables, water pipes, etc. Trees that grow too big or tall can obstruct street lights, utility lines, a potential hazard for residents, if branches fall during a storm," Chan said.

Mess and maintenance is what makes some residents decline the idea of having a tree in front of their home or along their street, but DPW will pay for the expense of planting and maintaining the trees.

"When we take the time to explain and let them know the City will be paying for and maintaining the trees, residents usually welcome the project," said Alfonso.

Those present at the meeting were in favor of Cherry trees because blossoms would enhance streets like Irving, complimenting the blossoms in Golden Gate Park.

"With the city's unique micro-climate it is really important to select a tree that can sustain itself amid the sand, fog and wind," said Mike Sullivan, author and part-time Friends of the Urban Forest arborist.

For more information about the Citywide Tree Planting Initiative, call (415) 554-7336 or to to the city's Web site at www.sfgov.org.