Draper Tree Committee Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Draper Tree Committee met on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 8:00 AM in the Administration Conference Room at Draper City Hall. The meeting covered city project updates, code enforcement, the controversial Timoney Road sycamore situation, public education efforts, budget discussions, and potential fall planting projects. Key decisions included approving the May 6, 2025 meeting minutes, deferring the use of a $10,000 private donation and nursery credit to spring planting, and discussing a proposal for the Timoney Road trees to present to the city council.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes (May 6, 2025): The minutes were approved unanimously. The committee noted that the minutes had been posted as a temporary approval within the 30-day requirement because they had not been formally approved earlier.

City Updates

• Project Updates: Dylan reported that the Long Peak Parkway project is still planned for next year. No major road widening projects are expected except possible work on Stokes (curves and widening from 4th to 3rd south).
• Tiffany Street Sidewalk Trees: A question was raised about a project on Tiffany Street where approximately 40 trees may need to be cut down for sidewalk repairs. Dylan indicated he was not directly involved but noted the engineering team is aware.

Community Development – Planting Specs and Inspections

• The committee discussed the status of adopting new planting specifications and inspections. Maryann confirmed that the city has hired a landscape inspector, Lindsay Greenberg, who is now reviewing plans and conducting inspections for certificate of occupancy. The transition from planners to the inspector is ongoing.
• The committee emphasized the importance of correct planting (especially with the new specs) to ensure tree survival, and noted an educational component will be needed for developers.

Code Enforcement of Major Thoroughfare Street Tree Care

• The committee discussed code enforcement for street tree care, particularly regarding the Walgreens property where trees have died. Enforcement is complaint-based via David Bernal. The process takes time (30-day compliance notices, multiple visits).
• The committee noted that the city can plant trees on city-owned property, but enforcement against non-compliant property owners is a lengthy process.

Timoney Road Sycamores

• This was a major discussion item. The issue involves sycamore trees planted in narrow park strips (less than 3 feet) in a neighborhood built before current codes. The trees were marked for removal due to sidewalk buckling, causing resident backlash.
• Committee Proposal (Mike, Laura, Janet, Michelle):
  • If sidewalks can be amended without harming trees, save the trees.
  • If residents want to keep trees and sidewalks need repair, grind the sidewalk (as done previously).
  • If residents want trees removed (and trees are causing problems or in bad shape), allow removal but the city should not pay for it.
  • Concerns were raised about root growth after tree removal (some residents claimed it worsens buckling). Committee members noted that tree roots can continue to grow after removal, but this is not a common issue.
• The committee discussed whether to allow replanting in the park strip after removal. Current code discourages trees in narrow park strips, but the trees were part of the original neighborhood plan. The committee leaned toward not allowing replanting in the park strip and instead suggesting planting in the yard.
• The committee will bring a recommendation to city council that evening.

Public Education

• Tree Talks: A class on tree care will be held on Monday, September 15, at 7:00 PM at the library. Approximately 30 registrants have signed up. The class will be taught by Master Arborist Jeremiah.
• Fall Localscapes Class: Scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00 PM (location not specified). Promotion includes articles in Draper Forward and signage.
• Street Tree Guide Update: The committee discussed updating the online street tree guide to reflect the new planting code (no trees in park strips less than 5 feet wide). The guide is currently not posted. Michelle requested that the website update be prioritized. A resolution to officially change the guide would go to city council, but the committee can post recommendations on the website without council approval. The committee also noted the need to add firewise trees for areas above 5,000 feet elevation.

Budget

• Private Donation: A $10,000 donation from a private individual remains unspent. The donor expressed disappointment that the funds were not used and that he had not been informed. The committee plans to use the donation for spring planting.
• Credit with Nursery: The city has a credit for 30–40 trees (depending on size and type) from a nursery.
• City Funds in Parks Operations: The new fiscal year (2025-2026) budget includes $10,000 for tree planting, plus the donation and nursery credit. No funds have been spent yet.

Potential Projects – Replacement of Dead Trees/Beautification of City Entrances

• The committee tabled a detailed discussion on planting locations to the next meeting. Members were asked to scout potential locations, including city entrances. The committee noted that areas with pressurized irrigation (PI) are difficult for tree survival, especially in fall. The recommendation was to plant in early spring (mid-April) to improve success rates.
• The committee discussed the challenges of PI water (high salinity, alkalinity) and the need for education on watering techniques (e.g., flushing with culinary water).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The May 6, 2025 meeting minutes were approved.
• Timoney Road Proposal: The committee will present a recommendation to city council that evening: allow tree removal at resident request (but not city-funded), save trees where possible, and discourage replanting in narrow park strips.
• Street Tree Guide: The committee will work on updating the guide and posting recommendations on the website in the near term, with a formal resolution to follow.
• Planting Deferred: The $10,000 donation and nursery credit will be used for spring 2026 planting, with locations to be determined at the next meeting.
• Job Posting for Arborist: The position for a dedicated arborist has been approved but not yet posted. The job description is being rewritten to attract a certified arborist at an appropriate level. Posting expected by next week.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.