Sacramento Faces Tree Maintenance Crisis Amid Backlog, Plans Growth

UPDATE: Sacramento is grappling with a significant backlog in tree maintenance, with non-emergency requests taking up to two years for a response. As the city known as the “City of Trees” struggles to keep its urban forest healthy, plans to increase tree planting are set to escalate the workload even further.

Residents are expressing urgent concerns over the maintenance of trees that pose safety risks. “I have neighbors where it’s gotten under their roof tiles,” said Brett Davison, a concerned East Sacramento resident. “I just think of it as a safety issue.” This situation is increasingly alarming for homeowners, as insurance companies are now demanding that property owners ensure tree upkeep, with reports of some even using drones to assess risks.

The issue is exacerbated by a major insurance crisis currently impacting California, with companies advising homeowners to take action on tree maintenance or face penalties. As city officials confirm, the backlog has reached critical levels, with non-emergency requests taking an average of one year or more to be addressed.

According to Gabby Miller, Sacramento’s Media & Communications Specialist, the backlog stems from severe staffing shortages and the impact of destructive storms in 2023. The city, which maintains over 100,000 trees across its 100 square miles, has seen a surge in service requests, particularly after adverse weather events.

In a statement, Miller noted: “Emergency calls are responded to within one hour, 24/7, while non-emergency requests usually receive an initial response within 48 hours.” However, the reality on the ground indicates that many residents are left waiting indefinitely. “At that point, they were booked out for two and a half years for any sort of maintenance,” Davison added, emphasizing the frustration among residents.

The city council is aware of the growing discontent. As part of its strategy, the council voted in June to double Sacramento’s tree canopy by 2045, targeting areas in need of more trees. However, this ambitious plan will require an estimated additional $12-13 million annually for maintenance alone.

Councilmember Pluckebaum acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “Our only answer is to figure out how to either reduce costs and/or raise revenue to provide for that level of service.” He highlighted the challenges in funding necessary to maintain existing trees while planning for future growth.

Residents are left wondering how the city will manage this increased burden. “I love the trees, but you better have enough maintenance crews to handle what you’ve got going on first before you add any more,” Davison cautioned.

The city has begun hiring additional staff for its Urban Forestry Division and is directing resources to tree care service contracts. While these measures are intended to reduce the backlog, officials recognize that significant work remains ahead.

With the growing number of service requests and the pressing need for maintenance, the city faces an urgent challenge. Sacramento residents are encouraged to report tree concerns through the 311 Customer Service Center, ensuring that their requests are documented and tracked.

As the situation develops, Sacramento’s commitment to its urban forest will be tested. Many residents are hopeful that the city can balance growth with maintenance, ensuring the safety of its citizens and the health of its iconic trees.