Peter Gollinger News Today

When Palo Alto passed an ambitious tree-protection law in 2022, its aim was to shield the citys treasured canopy from destruction. But as the council pared back the law Monday, some called for more radical measures.

Palo Alto resident Ben Lenail received a jarring reminder of the danger that trees can pose to humans when a large oak fell on him as he and his golden retriever were out in Rinconada Park on Oct. 24.

When Palo Alto adopted a law last year to shield more trees from destruction, city leaders lauded it as an overdue way to protect a treasured community asset. Now, the city is preparing to prune the law back.

I recently had a conversation with Palo Altos urban forester, Peter Gollinger, about the need to plant trees to replace two liquidambar that were removed by the city last year. The length of time that itll take surprised me.

Palo Alto famously loves its trees, particularly when theyre not toppling onto roofs, yards and power lines. But after last winters storms, the city is preparing to take a fresh look at its new tree-protection ordinance.

Palo Alto famously loves its trees, particularly when theyre not toppling onto roofs, yards and power lines. But after last winters storms, the city is preparing to take a fresh look at its new tree-protection ordinance.

The City Council is preparing to take a fresh look at Palo Altos tree-protection ordinance after numerous properties sustained severe damage during recent storms.

While some locals are upset with the city for preventing the removal of trees from their properties that then have fallen over in recent storms, others have concerns that heritage trees are being cut down.

Catherine Martineau was on her third career when she joined Canopy, Palo Altos urban forest advocacy organization, over 18 years ago. When she retires on Feb. 28, she will leaves a legacy of a strong nonprofit.

Catherine Martineau was on her third career when she joined Canopy, Palo Altos urban forest advocacy organization, in 2004. When she retires on Feb. 28, she will leave a strong legacy.