REU (Redding Electric Utility) - Your Community Utility

Tree Planting/REU Tree Trimming

Since 1982 the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Redding as a "Tree City U.S.A." This designation underscores the City's efforts to plant and maintain trees throughout the community. In 1990 the City Council further recognized the value of trees by enacting Redding's Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 18.45 of the Municipal Code).
Also, since 1995, the Electric Utility has received a Tree Line USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the efforts in quality tree care, while meeting service objectives. The tree preservation and planting requirements will serve to ensure that trees become an integral part of the development planning in the City. This guide was prepared to assist the development community in understanding the basic concepts of designing and working around existing trees.

The Comprehensive Tree Plan

Presented here is in addition to the Tree Preservation Ordinance referred to in the first paragraph and is complementary to Chapter 13.40 of the Municipal Code. The Comprehensive Tree Program is designed to address the care and maintenance of the 20,600 trees that are along the City's streets and parks. It also addresses potential problems with trees that are yet to be planted. It is to be used prospectively and not to correct past problems. We are especially concerned about planting an inappropriate tree under, or adjacent to, electric utility wires. An official list of the types and varieties of trees approved for such planting is included in this plan.

Definitions:

• Street Trees- - shall be defined as trees, shrubs, bushes, and all other woody vegetation on land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues, or ways within the City.
• Park Trees - shall be defined as trees, shrubs, bushes, and all other woody vegetation in public parks, and all areas owned by the City, or to which the public has free access, such as a park.

Street Trees species to be planted

These are selected trees on the official street tree species list for the City of Redding. No other species, other than those included in this list, may be planted as street trees without written permission of the City.

Spacing

The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the species size classes specified on the street tree list and no trees may be planted closer together than the following:

• Small trees, 25 feet
• Small Medium trees, 30 feet
• Medium trees, 40 feet
• Large trees, 50 feet
• Except in special planting designed or approved by the City Engineer or Development Services Director.

Distances from curbs and sidewalks.

The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curb lines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the species size classes specified on the street tree list and no tree may be planted closer than the following:

• Small trees, 2 feet.
• Small Medium trees, 2 ½ feet.
• Medium trees, 3 feet.
• Large trees, 4 feet

Distances from street corners and fire hydrants.

No tree or shrub with a mature height taller than 3 feet shall be planted closer than 35 feet of any street corner, measured from the point of nearest intersecting curbs or curb lines, and at least 15 feet from driveways and alleys. No tree shall be planted closer than 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

Underground Utilities

No street trees other than those listed in the street tree list may be planted within 5 lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, electric line or other utility.

Overhead Electric Utilities.

The distance trees may be planted from overhead power lines, poles or street lights will be in accordance with the following table and shall be one of the "species size classes" specified on the street tree list:

Public Tree Care

The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares, and public grounds, as may be necessary to insure public safety, to provide for continuity of services, or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. The City may remove or cause an order to have removed any tree or part thereof which poses an impediment to public travel (clear space of 14 feet above the surface of the street and 8 feet above the surface of the sidewalk as per Section 13.40.040 of the Municipal Code), is in an unsafe condition or which, by reason of nature, is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, water lines, or other public improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. This section does not prohibit the planting of street trees by adjacent property owners providing that the selection and location of said trees are in accordance with the above sections and the property owner has obtained a permit. A permit is required as per 13.040.030 of the Municipal Code.

Utility Arborist Value (PDF)

Tree Topping

It shall be discouraged as a normal practice for any person, firm, or City Department to top any street tree, park tree, or any other tree on public property. Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs or lateral branches too small to assume the terminal role. This practice is done to reduce or remove the normal canopy of the tree. Topping destroys the natural shape, weakens the structure, reduces health, and shortens the useful life span. Topping is usually inappropriate for shade and ornamental trees. Trees severely damaged in storms or other causes, or certain trees under, or adjacent to, utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this section.

Private Tree Care

Every owner of any tree on private property overhanging any street or right-of-way within the City shall be responsible to assure that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of 14 feet above the surface of the street and 8 feet above the surface of the sidewalk. Said owners shall cause to be removed all dead, diseased, or dangerous trees, and broken or decayed limbs that constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The City shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with the proper spread of light along the street from a street light, or interferes with the visibility of any traffic control device or sign, or causes an impediment to public travel or interferes with the safe operation of electric power lines, including instances where branches are within 6 feet of overhead power lines that operate in excess of 600 volts. This subject is dealt within Section 13.40.080 (Nuisance on Private Property) of the Municipal Code.

Removal of Stumps

All stumps of street and park trees shall be removed to a minimum depth of four inches below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground.

Trimming of Roots

Dealing with tree roots and sidewalks that are already tangled can be a difficult matter. The solution may require compromises, such as narrowing the sidewalk, a jogging curb around the tree, using pavers and grates, or possibly accepting uneven sidewalks. Because there are so many solutions to this conflict, each situation will require a certified City Arborist's review and resolution. In addressing such a situation, public safety shall be given the highest priority followed by the protection of public and private infrastructure and preservation of the City's urban forest and trees.

Street Tree Removal

This subject is dealt within Section 13.40.040 (Maintenance and Removal in Public Areas) of the Municipal Code.

Appeal

Appealing this plan is discussed in Section 13.40.100 of the Municipal Code.

Tree Tips - Right Tree, Right Place

A tree - planted in the appropriate area - can make your home and your community a nicer place to live. In the summer, trees shade your house from the summer sun, reducing temperatures indoors. In the winter, trees act as windbreaks, shielding your home from cold winter winds. Trees can also add to the value of your home. However, trees planted under or near power lines are potentially deadly hazards. Serious or fatal shocks can occur if your children play in trees near power lines, or if you come into contact with power lines while working outdoors. Using the common sense "right tree, right place" guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of a tree planted in the right location, without having to worry about the dangers posed when a tree is located near power lines. Select a tree or shrub that will not reach 25 feet or more in height at maturity, and whose trunks and branches will not reach within ten feet of power lines when fully grown. Link to ISA    

Before You Plant a Tree

First make sure your selected ground is safe - both above ground from overhead lines, and below ground from underground power lines and other utilities. If you plan to dig near buried power lines in the City, first call the Under Ground Service Alert (USA) Notification Center at 1.800.227.2600. All utilities who have buried facilities will respond to your request to locate any underground lines. Each utility will mark the location of any buried lines or pipes in the area where you are planning to excavate. If you are unsure if there are underground lines in your area - call the Redding Electric Utility Distribution Field Operation office at 530.224.4384 at least 48 hours before you dig. You can help prevent power outages by checking the power lines in trees. For more information about power outages, you can contact Redding Electric Utility at 530.224.4384.

Unfortunately, some of the trees most commonly associated with Northern California are also among the worst offenders to plant near power lines, such as eucalyptus, sycamore and ash trees. See the list below for recommended trees, or consult your local nursery or arborist to suggest small, "patio"-type trees which may be appropriate for our climate zone. You may also call the Redding Electric Utility at 530.224.4384 to schedule a meeting with one of our Certified Arborists.

Some recommended Trees - African Sumac, Amur Maple (Flame), California Bay, Crabapple (many types), Dwarf Naval Orange, Evergreen Pear, Purple Leaf Plum, Saucer Magnolia, Western Redbud, Crape Myrtle.

Principal Contact

Jim Calhoun, Supervising Arborist at 530.224.4356