City gets it right when removing huge fallen tree limb

By PATRICIA KOPF
columns@modbee.com

last updated: July 03, 2008 05:36:13 AM

Whenever possible, I try to compliment the city. This is to offset certain grumbling I have done previously. Listen to how well they helped me out in a recent windstorm.

The day had been very blustery and just after dusk there was a loud crack out front, which my neighbor later described as "like a rifle shot." This was quickly followed by a substantial thud. Since we have no street lights and it was already dark, with only a sliver of moon, it was difficult to see much.

Outside, my fears were confirmed. The 50-year-old Modesto ash in my lawn had lost a major limb of about 70 feet. It had fallen diagonally, blocking the entire street.

Luckily, it had landed away from the house and no cars were struck. This was largely because neighbors fear getting their vehicles stolen, so most park off the street. At least I would face no financial liability, but action was certainly needed since the street was blocked. With so little visibility in the darkness, an unsuspecting driver might run into the mess.

I called the Tree-Forestry department under the city of Modesto heading in the phone book. An operator indicated that help would be there quite soon.

Within an hour, a police car arrived and officers put out orange cones on both sides of the obstruction. They said a tree crew, one of five at work that night, was just finishing another job and should be along shortly. Soon six men arrived and began sawing the large limbs to clear the pavement. All the foliage and hunks of the tree were stacked along the curb for pickup in the morning. They were kind enough to clear my driveway as well.

Very early the next day, another big truck came with two tree specialists, Rob Robinson and Jose Rodriquez, who assessed the damage to the tree. I was surprised that city policy includes sending out a crew whose job it was to stabilize the tree by selectively trimming the remaining limbs.

A bit later that same morning another group came to clear the pavement of all the debris, and was followed soon by the street cleaner. I'll tell you, I was very impressed about how well this all was organized and executed.

Finally, these workers also told me that they have been working without a contract for two years. We take good care of our trees -- shouldn't we be doing the same for our work force?

Kopf is an opinionated Modesto homemaker and avid gardener. E-mail her at columns@modbee.com.

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