R is for Right Tree - Right Place
We are actively seeking to identify Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Trees in Benicia. A national movement to identify BMPs for tree planting and maintenance is championed by the slogan "Right Tree, Right Place." There are some great online resources listed on the bottom of this page.
The Benicia Tree Foundation will provide information about BMPs for Benicia residents regarding: topping, trees versus sidewalks, root pruning, tree removal, protection, mistletoe removal, hazards-safety, and more.
We also seek to promote the idea of “smart trees” for Benicia (right tree, right place, etc.).
A great tree selection database for California is available by clicking here.
In the ZONE?
One consideration when selecting and planting trees is to know what "Zone" you are in.
Benicia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8B. The USDA reports that our Last Frost Date (Spring 2011) is 3/27 and First Frost Date (Fall 2011) is 11/11. (A frost is defined as a light freeze of 32 degrees F. There is a 10% chance that a frost will occur outside of the average frost dates provided by the USDA.)
Benicia is also located in Sunset Climate Zone 17.
View Rights
In most cases, aggrieved homeowners do not have much legal right to force a neighbor to trim or remove a view obstructing tree Unless the tree is violating view ordinances, zoning laws, subdivision rules, or existing easements, homeowners generally have no zoning rights to light, air, or view. This means that a neighbor can generally place as many trees as they like on their property with no concern for other property owners' views. This being said, why create strife with your neighbors? Avoid conflicts by thinking through how your tree plantings might affect others.
Sun Rights
California's Shade Control Act doest protect the right to own and operate a solar system for a home or business. This means that no one person or entity (such as a neighborhood association or local government) can, within reason, prohibit a property owner from investing in solar power. It also means that one property owner can not encumber another’s access to the sun. Click here to read the law and to avoid a situation wherein you are in conflict with your neighbor's right to the sun.
Planting Under Power Lines
PG&E publishes an excellent Selection & Planting Guide to Small Trees Near Distribution Lines (San Francisco / Bay Area & Inland). To order A Guide to Small Trees Near Distribution Lines call 1–800–743–5000 or email RightTreeRightPlace@pge.com.
Specify which guide:
– Northern California, Bay Area and Inland, or Central California
– How many of each
– Mailing address as they are not available electronically
– How or where you learned of the tree guide
– Northern California, Bay Area and Inland, or Central California
– How many of each
– Mailing address as they are not available electronically
– How or where you learned of the tree guide
PG&E publishes a companion poster to this, providing details about palms under power lines.
The Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute also publishes an online guide for taking precautions under power lines.
Also visit Casey Trees Right Tree, Right Space site.
An online search using the term "Right Tree, Right Place will yield many useful results.
Arbor Day Foundation - Right Tree in the Right Place
Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute - Right Tree Right Place Tree Selection Guide
Oak Tree Foundation - Oak Tree Care
Plant Amenesty - Five Reasons Not to Top Trees
UC Davis / Integrated Pest Management Online - Mistletoe Management
UC Berkeley - Technology Transfer - Trees & Sidewalks
City of Benicia Resources
The City of Benicia is working on a Master Plan for municipal trees. We are expecting the plan will provide some guidance for property owners with trees on public right of ways.
General information on Tree Programs & Permits is available on the City of Benicia Web Site (click here).
Consulting Arborist
The City of Benicia is fortunate to have a registered Consulting Arborist living in town. His name is Ed Brennan and he can be reached by emailing edbrennanarborist@sbcglobal.net. Ed's website is available by clicking here. When assessing tree hazards and other situations where fiscal and legal liability are at stake, it is highly recommended to consult with a registered arborist.