M is for Tree Maintenance

Even greater than the challenge of planting trees and increasing our tree canopy, is the challenge of maintaining the trees in our community, both on public and private property.

The City of Benicia has received funds via the Valero Good Neighbor / VIP Settlement to establish the first ever municipal budget for maintaining trees in the history of the City. A portion of these funds were designated to establish the citizen support needed to maintain and grow the Benicia urban forest that is largely comprised of trees on private property (the Benicia Tree Foundation was formed to fulfill this goal).

Residents in Benicia are concerned about property rights and values with respect to trees. Few citizens support a top down approach from government or nonprofits, so engendering grass roots support for enhancing the city’s tree canopy is essential. The City of Benicia and BTF are positioned as supportive partners who bring needed information and resources to the table, especially when common issues such as “trees versus sidewalks” or “trees blocking scenic views” come to the fore. Citizens may be attracted to volunteering and participating in projects where “things get done” versus legislative or policy based activities.

Establishing a cadre of dedicated tree advocates in Benicia will help advance and leverage support for trees in the city. A group of volunteers and donors called the “Benicia Tree-Keepers” is a being developed with the basic skills required to catalyze the urban forestry tree movement in the city. Both adult and youth tree-keepers are desired.