2018-039 ROW Tree TrimmingDate: April 6, 2018 Report No. 2018-039
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Overview of current roadside tree trimming program and options for increased service levels.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On February 5, 2018, Council Member Bagheri requested information on the tree trimming
completed by Parks and Recreation Department in a neighborhood in the northern part of the
City. An update was provided on February 16, 2018 in the Friday Report detailing current
practices for right-of-way (ROW) tree trimming and stated that staff would provide options for
increased service levels to City Council. This informal staff report is meant to provide additional
background on the program and provide options to City Council.
BACKGROUND:
Park and Recreation maintains 287 acres (80 Miles) of roadside within Denton city limits to
manage brush and trees overgrowth into the path of traffic impeding the line of sight, causing
potential damage to vehicles, and violating City Ordinance. This maintenance is done mostly
adjacent to undeveloped private property. Typically, Park Maintenance trims brush and trees
once per year in the winter after the vegetation transitions into dormancy reducing the stress to
trees and allowing staff to perform trimming in tight areas where foliage causes sightline issues.
There has been an increase in ROW tree trimming due to annexations of largely undeveloped
private property that have occurred over the years. Staff currently uses a large tractor with a
boom mower attachment as shown in Attachment 1. Although this style of trimming is not
horticulturally preferred, it is efficient, increases the safety drivers and maintains code
compliance. The current maintenance cost is estimated at $67,600 annually (80 miles of treed
ROW at $845 per mile). Unfortunately, due to the large amount ROW, Park Maintenance is
understaffed to prune these areas by hand. After consulting with Denton County, Texas
Department of Transportation, and several equipment vendors this type of trimming is standard,
particularly adjacent to undeveloped areas.
OPTIONS:
Below are three options that staff identified that would provide an additional level of service for
maintenance brush and trees in the ROW. If requested by City Council, staff could provide
additional information in a work session or hold a discussion during the budget process.
Option 1
Staff could purchase a rotary style saw blade attachment that would provide a cleaner cut on the
larger tree limbs. A rotary style saw blade would continue to leave the smaller limbs frayed after
cutting because they are less stable than larger limbs. This attachment is used by Denton County
and shown in Attachment 2. The estimated one-time cost for the purchase of this attachment is
$16,133.
Date: April 6, 2018 Report No. 2018-039
Option 2
There is the option to hire an outside contractor to perform the service using chainsaws and
loppers. Having a contractor perform the trimming by hand would cause less damage to trees and
leave the roadway more aesthetically appealing. Staff estimates that the ongoing annual cost for
this service would be $ 633,600 (80 Miles of treed ROW at $7,920 per Mile).
Option 3
A third option could be a combination of Option 1 and 2 that would provide for a tree trimming
process for higher profile areas by hand (approximately 18,000 linear feet at $1.50 per foot)
while maintaining the current practice in lower profile areas. This cost includes the purchase of
the rotary style saw blade in Attachment 2. This plan would cost approximately $43,500.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Department to submit a supplemental as
part of the FY19 budget process to accommodate Option 3 as provided, this would allow staff to
identify key areas that need a higher level of maintenance while continuing current practices in
more rural areas.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1 - Current Equipment Photos
2 - Denton County Equipment Photos
STAFF CONTACT:
Drew Huffman, Parks and Recreation, Parks Superintendent
940-349-7464
Drew.Huffman@cityofdenton.com
Photo of Current ROW Trimming Tractor and Attachment
Photo Post Trimming
Photo of Denton County Trimming Attachment
Photo Post Trimming