Approval of Updated Ficus Tree Pruning Standards in Accordance with Best Management Practices Established by the International Standards of Arboriculture (ISA) and Consideration of a Related Budget Amendment if Necessary. Meeting Date: 01/26/09 AGENDA ITEM: Approval of Updated Ficus Tree Pruning Standards in Accordance with Best Management Practices Established by the International Standards of Arboriculture (ISA) and Consideration of a Related Budget Amendment if Necessary. Contact Person/Dept.: Eric Mirzaian/Public Works Fiscal Impact: Yes x Phone Number: (310) 253 6410 General Fund: Yes x No Item Number: A 4 City of Culver City California City Council Agenda Item Report No Public Hearing: Action Item: x Attachments: X Public Notification: Master E Mail Notification List (01/07/2009); West Coast Arborists Inc (01/05/2009) Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson (12/24/08) Chief Financial Officer Approval: Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (01/07/09) City Attorney Approval: Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (01/05/09) City Manager Approval: Jerry B. Fulwood (01/20/09) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council approve updated Ficus tree pruning standards in accordance with the Best Management Practices as established by the International Standards of Arboriculture (ISA). BACKGROUND: Culver City has 1 550 Ficus trees that are on a four year pruning cycle. This equates to approximately 398 Ficus trees pruned each year. The City s tree trimming contractor West Coast Arborists Inc. (WCA) currently utilizes a crown reduction pruning method. Under this method the majority of the pruning is done at the top of the tree thus giving the tree a more round or canopy appearance. Additionally this method consists of the removal of dead and broken branches as well as minor tree raising from the bottom for vehicular and pedestrian clearance. DISCUSSION: At its August 28 2006 meeting the City Council approved the award of a new five year agreement (7/1/2006 6/30/2011) with WCA in the amo...
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