City crews pruning trees

Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation crews are pruning trees along some city streets in preparation for this summer's street surface overlay work.

By pruning low-hanging branches back to a major branch or the tree trunk, the crew will provide at least 14 feet of clearance over the street. This clearance will help prevent damage to both trees and to street resurfacing equipment.

More than 500 trees have been identified as having low branches over the street in these areas. Most of the trees overhanging these streets are public trees that were planted within the right-of-way. Parks and Recreation has contacted abutting property owners through door hangers or letters about the work, since they are normally responsible for providing the required care. For trees on private property, owners have been contacted to obtain permission to prune back the low-hanging branches on these trees.

Because of time restraints, the Parks and Recreation crew will be pruning for street clearance only. If more thorough pruning is needed, private property owners and the property owners abutting public trees that need to be pruned have the choice to prune the trees themselves or hire a tree service. A list of city-licensed tree services and free information permits that come with proper tree pruning methods is available from the department’s office at City Hall.

A cost-share program is available for single family residences when licensed tree services are hired to prune public trees. Permits are always required when removal of trees is sought within the right-of-way. This information is also available in the Urban Forestry section of the city’s website at cdaid.org/parks.