HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 02/10/2010Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – February 10, 2010
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BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities
Call Meeting to Order: Michael Chalona called the meeting to order at 5:35pm.
Agenda Review & Items of Note:
Agenda was reviewed:
1) Agenda Item 9 – Advertising at Recreation Facilities – Marty is unable to attend meeting, so Steve
Budner will speak on this item.
Items of Note: None
Citizen Participation:
1) 7 CSU Students from the Natural Resources History & Policy class in attendance to observe a
Board.
2) Ann Hunt came as a citizen participant. The Board wanted to thank Ann for her years of service to
the Board. Ann has enjoyed her time on the Board and felt she learned a lot.
Approval of Minutes: Discussion: None
Motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of January 6, 2010, by Jessica MacMillan, seconded
by William Pickering – Minutes approved 6:0
Agenda Items
Election of Officers
Discussion: Michael has enjoyed his time as President of the P&R Board, but feels it’s time to allow another
Board member move to the “next level”.
Jessica shared that being an officer of the Board was a great way to know staff, as well as having more
involvement with the Council. She also felt it was very important that an officer’s attendance and involvement
was critical.
William Pickering nominated Greg Miller. Greg was not present, but had informed Michael that he would not
be able to accept the position due to other commitments.
Brian Carroll voiced a concern that so many of the Board Members were new to the Board within the last year
or two and felt more experience was needed to be a Board Officer.
Jessica MacMillan volunteered to co-chair with a newer member as a way to help mentor.
Dawn Theis is not ready to be Chair, but would like to be more involved so she can learn more and be prepared
to Chair in the future.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
413 S. Bryan Avenue – Park Shop
5:30 p.m.
Council Liaison: Kelly Ohlson Staff Liaison: J.R. Schnelzer, 221-6301
President: Michael Chalona Phone: 490-2335 (home) 472-8954 (work)
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Motion
Brian Carroll made a motion for Jessica MacMillan and Danna Ortiz to act as Co-Presidents, with William
Pickering as Vice President and Dawn Theis as Secretary.
Michael Chalona seconded.
Vote was taken: Approved - 6:0
Special Note: Since the Board has not had a Secretary in the past, it was decided that Dawn will receive the
minutes prior to the Board for pre-approval. Dawn will also act as script keeper on a “white board” for formal
motions to ensure all Board Members have an opportunity to read the motion before voting.
Break
5 Min break to have thank you cake with Ann.
BFO Update
Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) for 2011/2012 is starting. Craig will provide the BFO101 presentation which
will be helpful for some background.
Discussion/Questions:
What do you have to re-propose? Mostly we’ll just “fine tune” our offers from 2010/2011 unless there is a
change in scope.
Craig will bring seller offers to future meetings.
Discovery Center/Museum Update
The Discovery Center/Museum will be built on the eastern side of Lee Martinez Park at the corner of College &
Cherry. This is a great partnership, and nearly $18 million in funding has been raised. Construction should
start in 2011. The grounds around the building will be incorporated into Lee Martinez Park and both the
interior and exterior of the building will meet Gold LEAD standards. Most of the $18 million budget will be
used for the interior of the building. However, $6 million was from Building On Basic (BOB) which are
allocated funds. Operation & maintenance is part of BOB monies, so there will need to be a portion of that
funding set aside for exterior O&M.
Discussion/Questions:
Is the Discovery Center/Museum building going out to bid? Yes, the bid was awarded to OZ Design-Build
Team. While typing minutes, Carol received more specific information about who the bid. *See Below*
In these hard economic times why are these bids not being given to local companies? There are a lot of local
companies that would jump at the chance to build this building. I think it’s hard to think about asking for a 1%
raise in sales tax when we don’t support our local companies. Craig will have Jim O’Neill, Purchasing & Risk
Management Director; provide information about how the RFP process works.
*Hensel Phelps of Greeley, Colorado was selected using a request for proposal (RFP) process. Among the
local firms on the Hensel Phelps design team are: Edaw, Northern Engineering and JVA Consulting Engineers.
Once the design is finalized and construction preparations begin there will be many local subcontractors used
for the actual building. A quote from the proposal states: "The Hensel Phelps / OZ Design-Build Team will
maximize the utilization of Fort Collins and northern Colorado based subcontractors and suppliers for the
project."*
Plan Fort Collins Update
Plan Fort Collins shows where we were in 1997 and where we are now. There will be a meeting to kick-off
Plan Fort Collins to be held at the Lincoln Center on March 3 at 6:00pm, which will show plans for Fort Collins
for the next 10 years.
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Discussion/Questions:
Are there any smaller parks being planned for north Fort Collins? There are some parks planned for northeast
Fort Collins in the Maple Hill area, but nothing planned directly north in the Highway One area; but we do have
Greenbriar and Soft Gold Parks in north Fort Collins.
Where are we at with Staley Park? We’re right at the 10 year mark, so we need to get that park built.
There was a proposal to keep MMDs away from schools, what about parks? If this isn’t mentioned in the
proposal, can something be added about distance from parks? Craig was not sure, but will check into this.
Advertising at Recreation Facilities
Recreation is asking for support from the board, via a vote, to allow limited advertising in other recreational
facilities, including The Farm at Lee Martinez Park, Northside Aztlan Community Center, Senior Center, etc.
The advertising would be similar to what is already in place at EPIC. The advertising will be focused on target
audience at each facility, and will not promote alcohol, tobacco, or have any sexual undertone. The advertising
done at EPIC has helped to cover costs used to produce the various Recreation publications. We are looking for
ways to increase our revenue to help offset the cost of recreational programs. The advertising would be in the
form of overlays on floors, space on scoreboards, etc.
Discussion/Questions:
Would the revenue generated from the advertising be dedicated to Recreation? Yes
How much do you currently make in advertising? About $15,000.
How much advertising do you turn down? Not sure, but we do have to turn away potential advertisers
Have there been any complaints regarding the advertising at EPIC? No
CSU was able to pay for the two scoreboards at Hughes stadium with adverting revenue.
Does anyone actively seek advertising for the City? Yes, John Litel.
Motion
Danna Ortiz made a motion for the Parks & Recreation Board to support and encourage the proposed
advertisement plan for Recreation facilities as requested by Recreation in accordance with current advertising
done at EPIC and designed for target audiences; due to the Board’s concern for the Park & Recreation budget
and the City’s reliance on the Recreation reserve fund.
William Pickering seconded.
Vote was taken – Approved 6:0
Alcohol Adjustments at Recreation Facilities
On January 19th, City Council approved Resolution 2010-002 authorizing the City Manager, on behalf of the
City, to apply for liquor licenses for City facilities as the City Manager determines appropriate. On February
1st, the Liquor Licensing Authority granted a License to the Northside Aztlan Center to provide alcoholic
beverage service to citizens who rent that facility.
Beginning March 1st we will contract with Toast of the Town Bartending Service (currently the contractor
responsible for providing alcoholic beverage service at the Lincoln Center) to provide alcoholic beverage
service to anyone requesting such service who rents facility space within the Northside Aztlan Community
Center. Renters will meet with the Scheduling Coordinator (Elaine Bueno) to discuss rental space and needs.
As part of this conversation, Elaine will ask if they wish to provide alcohol beverage service to their
participants. If the request is made, the customer will complete a 'Bar Request" form indicating the products
they wish the service to provide. These items will be purchased and offered for sale during their event. All
sales will be deposited as revenue for beverage service associated with that event.
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Parks Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability is a topic the City has been talking about for a long time. Parks has been working on
sustainability efforts with water since the 2002 drought. We now work on sustainable efforts in water, fuel and
reduction of solid waste.
We have started tracking our fuel consumption this year by domicile and charts. We noted that in 2009 we
were a bit higher than in the past couple of years, so we will be checking weather events to see if this had some
factor into why we had more fuel usage. We do have 11 electric Toros in our fleet which has made a difference
and we introduced a bike cart into the downtown area. We are hoping to introduce a bike cart onto the trail
system as well.
We have been working on irrigation since 2002 when we were in the drought. We base our irrigation on
science, and we irrigate 600 acres under 80% Evapotranspiration (ET). We irrigate at 100% on ball fields, 90%
on high use areas, but are able to save where we have our no-mow areas. We use about 1,000 acre foot per year
of water, comprised of 80% raw water. Craig and Park Planning are working to convert parks currently using
potable water to raw and ensuring new parks utilize raw water irrigation.
We also started tracking solid waste this year. We have green cones for food scraps, and introduced a dual trash
container with recycle/trash at shelters and clear Cannables at ball fields and turf fields, which is working. We
have about 75% non contaminated recycle. In years past when we tried to introduce recycle containers they
were so contaminated with other trash we were unable to recycle. We have also worked with coaches to have
them help us in talking to their teams about using the recycle containers.
Forestry always chipped 15” and smaller diameter wood; but they are now able to chip large diameter wood
which use to go to the landfill. They contract with a company to chip the wood and the chips are used in
medians and parks; and Poudre R-1 schools use the chips as well. Any remaining chips are put at the Gardens
on Spring Creek and Riverside Recycling Center for community members to use.
We also rely on volunteers; and have tripled our volunteer numbers since 2006.
PowerPoint slides are attached.
Discussion/Questions
The Audubon Sanction is great. You should talk about this in the Plan Fort Collins snapshot.
Have they allowed for a per capita comparison in fuel from 2005 to 2010 and beyond? No
Is Golf included in these numbers? No, but we will be working with them to start tracking their irrigation.
Is there any way to compost the diseased or infested trees since they can’t be chipped? It is possible, and we are
researching this.
Tree Pruning, Removal & Pesticide Application Standards
Forestry is working a on document (attached) Tree Pruning, Removal and Pesticide Application Standards
And Best Management Practices for regulating tree trimming standards on City property and licenses for
arborists. Forestry would like to have the P&R Board give a formal okay for this document. We currently have
32 arborists licensed with the City; they have to pass a written test and field test and City Code states they must
follow these standards. Having this document in place, will also give the community a way to notify or
complain about work done on trees. The Forestry Manager, Tim Buchanan, has the ability to revoke a license if
he feels the complaint is valid. The arborist can go to Marty Heffernan; Executive Director of CPRE, if they
feel the work was done properly and wants to challenge the ruling by Tim.
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Forestry will be doing a large tree removal on College/Mulberry. However, they will need to close the
northbound lanes of College Avenue, so this will have to be done on a Sunday morning. Forestry is hoping to
have this done by the end of the month.
Forestry does regulate what can be done with City owned trees. We do not allow tree house or swings; and
signs and holiday lighting is limited.
Discussion/Questions
Are the arborists fined? No, their license can be revoked; but if someone felt their tree should be replaced that
would be a civil matter.
The description on Removing Trees. What does that entail? Does it just mean cutting down, or does that
include grinding the stump out? We don’t really have that defined; but maybe we should.
What regulations does Xcel have to follow? They made the trees along Lemay look terrible. They do have to
use a licensed arborist, and sometimes to get the branches away from the power lines it can look unnatural. If
someone complains we can look into it to see if the proper pruning was done.
Can a person remove a tree from their own property? If the tree is on single-family private property the trees on
the property are the property owner’s responsibility and they can do what they want to the trees. Some cities do
regulate, but we do not.
Do companies have to divert their trees from the landfill? No, but tipping fees make it an incentive for
companies to chip instead of dumping.
Does the City contract some tree work? Yes.
What is lion tailing? When a tree is pruned of all the interior limbs and the leaves are only left on the outer
branches.
Can an Arborist trim over a fence? No, but they can prune up to the fence line as long as they don’t damage the
tree.
Do you monitor tree trimming done for the City with before/after pictures? No but we do inspect. We have
over 40,000 City trees we monitor for defects.
Arborists should verbalize what they’re going to do to your trees. Could writing be mandatory? Yes.
I don’t believe that mandatory writing should always be necessary. Could the standard be that the arborists
verbalize what they’re going to do and offer that it could be in writing if the owner would like? Yes, I think that
would be a good idea.
Why don’t they leave the lights on the trees downtown year round? It actually costs more money to leave them
up.
Does Forestry have a “top 10 things to ask your arborists” for the public to use when soliciting an arborist? No,
but we can put something together, good idea.
Motion
William Pickering made a motion to approve the Tree Pruning, Removal and Pesticide Application Standards
And Best Management Practices; considering the suggestions made by the P&R Board of:
1) Add information from Chapter 27 of the Code about what is required to obtain an Arborist License;
2) Written specifications should be offered to private customers; and
3) Define tree removal and whether tree removal and stump removal should be specified separately;
be included in the document.
Danna Ortiz seconded
Vote was taken: Approved - 6:0
Updates
Park Updates
None
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Recreation Updates
No additional updates from agenda items.
Park Planning Updates
Registry Ridge Park
This is a 6 acre park with nautical theme. Park Planning has been working with the neighborhood to
incorporate the things that they want to see in the Park. The core area will have playground, a big turf area,
natural drainage, a place for outdoor movies which is also a tennis wall, basketball courts, shelter and the no
mow areas will act as a feature with natural grasses planted to look like waves. There will also be a looped trail
and fitness area to warm up and cool down. We are about two months from going out to bid.
Waters Way Park
This is a 10 acre park, highlighting water flow and use. Park Planning is working to incorporate Robert Benson
Natural Area and the Park so that both areas flow into each other. The irrigation water will be from Lowden
ditch and we’ve rebuilt the dam; construction was completed last week. Construction of the Park is now
starting. The design was worked on with the neighborhood and there is a flat recreation turf area, a looped trail,
small kids skate park and BMX track. We are telling a “story” of waters way with braided streams in play area
showing how the water flows and is used. We are reusing the old stone head gate as an art in public places
within the park. The irrigated grass is about 6 acres, and 3 acres will be natural grasses flowing from the natural
area into the park. There will be access into the natural area and reservoir, and there will be a concrete trail to
Carpenter Road.
Discussion/Question
Why is the BMX track not moving to Lincoln Jr. High? Poudre R-1 didn’t feel there was enough parking, and
access would be difficult. So, it is now being moved to Southeast Park which is just south of Fossil Ridge High
School.
What is the budget for a Park? Impact fees are used to construct neighborhood parks and the budget ranges
from $800,000-$1,000,000.
Project Updates
See Attached.
Additional Discussion
Why are Board Member addresses included in the Recreator but not on-line? Carol will find out.
Being a Board member, your name and contact information does becomes public record. So, if someone
were to call and ask for the information it would be given, so having your addresses listed in the
Recreator is within guidelines. It was simply a decision, by the City Clerk's office, to not add your e-
mail, etc. to your name on the Boards & Commissions P&R web page as a courtesy because of the
possibility spam or solicitation calls since the web is world-wide. This could change in the future.
Last meeting we talked about EPIC having a possible issue with exit safety from ice rink area. Brian Carroll
wanted to state for the record that Mike McDonald was very responsive, and found out that an exit sign had
been covered up by a sign from the event planner. He will work with planners to ensure these signs don’t get
covered in the future.
Could we have Board Work Plan Items added to the agenda? Mostly as a reminder to what the Board has on
the work plan and they could be reported on if necessary. Carol will add these to the agenda.
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Correspondence: None
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn – Jessica MacMillan, seconded Danna Ortiz
- Meeting adjourned 9:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Rankin
Carol Rankin
Administrative Support Supervisor
Parks Department
Board Approved Minutes, Wednesday, March 24 - 6:0
Board Attendance
Board Members: Brian Carroll, Michael Chalona, Jessica MacMillan, Danna Ortiz, William Pickering, Dawn
Theis
Staff: Craig Foreman, J.R. Schnelzer, Steve Budner, Tim Buchanan, Bill Whirty, Carol Rankin
Guests: Ann Hunt, 7 CSU Students
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Park Planning and Development work items:
Plan Fort Collins (City Plan): 2010 planning effort starting with staff involvement.
Policy Plan: Staff working on Environmental/Sustainability Best Management Plan manual.
Budgeting for Outcomes: 2011/2012 BFO process starting with Result Teams formed
BOB Park improvement funds – 2009 funds to Roselawn Cemetery for improvements. Park improvement funds in 2015.
NISP: Supplemental EIS may not be ready until maybe 2011 (New).
Park items:
1. Waters Way Park: Bidding.
2. Tennis court plan as to how many courts and where are they located to be a 2010 work item.
3. FCCP: DOW will work with the City to get the lake restocked. The City will fund this expense over three or more years.
4. Registry Neighborhood Park: Final design phase underway.
Trails:
1. Poudre Trail at Nix Farm: Staff will be developing the tree resting area for construction in the spring.
2. Poudre Trail at Lincoln Avenue: Forestry pruned the trail area downstream of Lincoln Avenue in preparation of the trail
reconstruction. Construction plans should be ready for bidding in February/March.
3. Power Trail: Construction delayed by cold weather. Keenland underpass of the UP in approval process and in the second step
approval. May take into 2010 to receive approval.
4. Fossil Creek Trail: Trilby Road to Carpenter Road. Design and Stormwater permit completed with bidding to be in May for
summer construction.
5. Poudre Trail at Lemay: Mulberry Bridge to be replaced by CDOT. Design effort starting this year. We have CDOT working to
see if the pedestrian bridge along the roadway bridge can be relocated to be the new trail bridge across the Poudre River
downstream of the Lemay bridge. This was one of our options to eliminate the steep ramps near Riverside Avenue from the
trail.
6. Fossil Creek Trail and underpass at Highway 38E: Great Outdoors Colorado grant has been submitted for this project. Award
to be made in April. Grant request amount was $500,000. We are in the mix to submit the Fossil Creek Trail north of 38E and
the underpass of 38E as a joint project. Total cost to be about $1,200,000.
7. Poudre Trail to Timnath: Preliminary design in 2010 with the intent of understanding CDOT, stormwater, environmental issues,
etc.
8. Replacement of old Poudre Trail asphalt at the ELC and where Spring Creek meets the Poudre River Trail. Work stalled due to
cold weather. Staff will also start to work with CSU for an easement for the trail to extend to Drake Road.
9. County Road #11 BOB project and trail underpass on hold due to limited Street Oversizing funds.
Miscellaneous:
1. Veteran’s Plaza at SCCP. Info can be obtained at the web page of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, News
and Events section, and into Veteran’s Plaza page.
2. Disc Golf: Course layout to CSU; Staff to share with other affected site users.
3. Water Craft Course – NISP impact unknown at this time. On hold.
4. Working on the BMX Track at Edora Park to make sure the course complies with requirements for stormwater and water
quality. (New) We are in the process of designing the course to be at Southeast Community Park.
5. North Shields Street Bridge – The County will replace this bridge in 2013/14. Staff is working with the County to see if there
is the potential for any short term parking solution for trail and river users. And, long term solutions with the new bridge
design.
6. Old Fort Collins Heritage Park stake park lights – Group of users are attempting to find funding to supply lights at the skate
park.
7. (New) Jason has been helping the DDA with their Alley Project.
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City Plan Update Snapshot – Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation
2. Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation (including all recreation within Parks, not including indoor facilities, recreation centers)
Why to we need parks, trails and outdoor recreation facilities?
These facilities provide spaces for important community social and wellness activities. The quality of life of our residents is greatly
improved by having facilities that invite physical activities at all levels, gathering places for social activities, opportunities to connect
with nature, and places to recharge ourselves after a hard days work.
The citizens of Fort Collins have been enjoying the City’s parks, trails and outdoor recreation facilities during the past 10 years.
Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities have grown over these years to keep pace with increased population and demands for
recreational services. These facilities have seen new elements, such as dog parks and skate parks, and the continued community
support for programmed activities and passive recreation opportunities. Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities continue to be
well received and supported by the community as evidenced by the 2008 Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Update that included
extensive public outreach and feedback from the community.
a. Current Values and Goals
Guiding Principles:
Community Benefit – The City’s parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities provide essential services that benefit citizens
by creating a livable, dynamic, and economically vibrant community.
Inclusive and Accessible – Residents have access to, feel safe and welcome in, and are equitably served by parks, trails, and
outdoor recreation facilities.
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Stewardship – Residents value and care for public spaces and resources. They recognize they are stewards of the built and
natural world and are responsible for sustaining them for future generations. Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities are
designed to minimize impacts on the environment and incorporate “green practices.”
Excellence – A full spectrum of diverse, high-quality parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities brings wellness,
fulfillment, and richness to the lives of Fort Collins’ residents.
Beauty and Innovation – Beautiful and innovative parks, trails and recreation facilities provides places for a wide variety of
experiences, ranging from quiet contemplation and relaxation to active recreation.
Future Needs – Lands are acquired and developed to provide a growing population with a wide variety of high-quality
services and facilities, while balancing the operation and maintenance costs of these services with citizen willingness to fund
them.
Civic Involvement – Residents are involved in the planning, development, and programming of parks, trails, and outdoor
recreation facilities.
Goals and Objectives:
Ensure Fort Collins’ parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities legacy for future generations
Provide a wide variety of high-quality recreation services and opportunities for all residents
Create an interconnected regional and local trail system
Develop parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities that promote community in the City
Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities will focus on enhanced sustainability and green practices
b. Accomplishments – Since 1997
The City’s park, trail, and outdoor recreation system has been expanded since 1997 by the following accomplishments: (Staff
information)
Development of two community parks (Fossil Creek and Spring Canyon), five neighborhood parks (Soft Gold, Harmony,
Homestead, Waters Way, and Registry) and two mini-parks (Rabbit Brush and Oak Street). These parks provide an
opportunity for a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
The paved trail system was expanded by 12 miles; and over four miles of old asphalt was replaced with new wider concrete.
The Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulture Center was opened for the public’s enjoyment.
c. Partnerships
The park, trail and recreation facilities developed during the past 10 years included
partnerships with City Departments, Larimer County and Poudre School District on joint sites. Partnerships with the
City’s Stormwater Department include flood control features at Spring Canyon Community Park and Rolland Moore
Community Park. Partnerships with the City’s Natural Resource Department include integration of landscapes and trails at
Spring Canyon Community Park and Soft Gold Neighborhood Park. Larimer County partnerships included the Fossil Creek
Trail at Fossil Creek Reservoir and City/County trail connections. Partnerships with Poudre School District include raw
water delivery systems at Huidekoper and Harmony Neighborhood Parks and the Southeast Community Park.
d. Challenges
Our challenge is to utilize limited resources to provide parks and trails to a growing community. It is imperative that we take
into consideration the additional costs associated with building and operating planned future parks and trails. Long term
economic sustainability is dependent on prioritized decision-making, identification of core services, and maximized use of
resources. The system needs to continue to be efficient in the use of resources and apply green practices to all aspects of the
program.
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City of Fort Collins
Tree Pruning, Removal and Pesticide Application Standards
And
Best Management Practices
(Draft of Proposed Standards updated 2-5-10)
License Required. A current arborist license, issued by the City Forester of Fort Collins, is required for all
companies that engage in the following activities:
• Cutting, trimming, pruning or removing of trees when the cuts necessary for such cutting, trimming,
pruning or removal are made at a height of ten (10) feet or greater above the ground.
• The application of pesticides to trees of any size.
Applicability of Section A. City of Fort Collins employees and companies holding an arborist license issued
by the City Forester must perform all tree pruning, removal and pesticide application on public or private
property within the City in accordance with the standards of Section A.
Applicability of Section B. City of Fort Collins employees, companies holding an arborist license or any other
business or individual shall perform all work on or around trees located on City property in accordance with the
Best Management Practices for arboriculture, as identified in Section B of this document, unless otherwise
directed by the City Forester. The Best Management Practices are good guidelines for all arborists to follow.
Companies holding an arborist license are encouraged, but not required, to follow the Best Management
Practices when working on trees located on private property.
Applicability of Section C. This section sets standards for the protection of individuals and City trees that
pertain to tree houses, swings, tree climbing and physical attachments to City owned trees.
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Table Of Contents
License Required and Applicability of Standards 1
Table Of Contents 2
Section A: Pruning, Removal and Pesticide Application Standards 3
1 General Pruning and removal Standards 3
2 Definitions 5
3 Tree Inspection Before Pruning or Removal 11
4 Pruning Tools and Equipment 11
5 Pruning Cuts 11
6 Wound Treatment 14
7 Pruning Objectives 14
8 Pruning Methods (Types) 14
9 Utility Pruning 16
10 Pesticide Application Standards 18
Section B: Best Management Practices 18
Section C: Miscellaneous Standards 19
Appendix A: Tree Species List 20
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Section A: Pruning, Removal and Pesticide Application Standards: (these standards were adapted in part
from ANSI A300 (Part 1) – 2008 Pruning, Best Management Practices/Tree Pruning, and Best Management
Practices/Utility Pruning of Trees)
1 General Pruning and Removal Standards
1.1 Companies holding a Fort Collins arborist license shall maintain a current
copy of the most recent edition of the following (The BMP’s and ANSI
standards can be purchased from the International Society of
Arboriculture):
• City of Fort Collins Tree Pruning, Removal and Pesticide Application Standards
• Best Management Practices/Tree Pruning (ISA)
• Best Management Practices/Utility Pruning of Trees (ISA)
• ANSI Z133.1-2006 for Arboricultural Operations- Safety Requirements
• ANSI A300 (Part1) – 2008 Pruning
• Chapter 27 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code
1.2 Pruning recommendations and actual pruning work shall always regard tree health and the tree’s
structural integrity. There are situations where pruning to reduce risk (promoting structural integrity)
must be made a priority over regard for tree health. Pruning to reduce risk need not be compromised
in these situations to meet this standard.
1.3 Specifications for pruning and removal work should include location of tree(s) and objectives.
Specifications can be verbal or written.
1.4 The following information shall be specified prior to the commencement of tree pruning:
1.4.1 Pruning method (type – clean, thin, raise, reduce, structure, restore) shall be specified prior to
commencement of work (see 8.1).
1.4.2 When pruning to clean, the location of parts (see 2.41) to be removed shall be specified prior to
commencement of work (see 8.2.1).
1.4.3 When pruning to thin, the location of parts to be removed shall be specified prior to
commencement of work (see 8.3.4).
1.4.4 When pruning to reduce, the location of parts to be removed or clearance requirements shall be
specified prior to commencement of work (see 8.5.5).
1.4.5 Exceptions for making an internodal heading cut shall be specified prior to commencement of
work (see 5.12.1, 5.12.2, 5.12.4 and 5.12.5).
1.5 Specifications for pruning or removal should be administered by an arborist.
1.6 Pruning and removal cuts shall be performed by an arborist or arborist trainee under the direct
supervision of an arborist. These are generic titles based on competency and experience, but
they need not be the actual position titles (see 2.4 and 2.5). The arborist does not need to be on
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site at all times, but shall be familiar with the practices and hazards of the tree work assigned and
the equipment used in such operations. Ground work does not need to be performed by an
arborist or arborist trainee (see 2.24).
1.7 In conducting tree pruning or removal operations, all work shall be performed using methods and
equipment in such a manner so as to avoid and prevent damage to other plants (except minor
damage to turf), properties, structures or persons. The ANSI Z133.1 for Arboricultural
Operations – Safety Requirements is the industry-developed national consensus safety standard.
ANSI Z133.1 shall be referenced by the City Forester in interpreting this standard.
1.8 Tree pruning and removal should comply with the most recent edition of ANSI Z133.1 (the most
current edition is the ANSI Z133.1-2006) for Arboricultural Operations-Safety Requirements.
1.9. Tree pruning and removal operations shall comply with all federal, state and local laws and
regulations.
1.10 Off-site trees (see 2.39) shall not be cut or pruned beyond a property line without prior verbal or
written approval from the owner(s) of the tree(s), or his or her authorized representative. An
exception is that the City Forester can authorize pruning of trees or shrubs posing a hazard to
public property as described in Sec.27-57 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code, or for the control
of tree diseases or insect infestations as described in Sec 27-58 of the Fort Collins Municipal
Code.
1.11 For any arborist or arborist trainee to perform tree pruning or removal work over 10 feet above the
ground (measured from the ground to the climber’sfeet), an employee of the business shall have
taken and passed the City Forester’s Tree Climbing Test. A business that has adequately
displayed or documented their climbing skills through ways other than testing, prior to the
implementation of this standard, have qualified for the Climbing Category on their arborist
license.
1.11.1 Businesses with the “Climbing Category” on their Fort Collins arborist license have met this
standard.
1.11.2 Tree work from an aerial lift device is an exception.
1.12 During an emergency, tree work often needs to be performed as quickly as possible. At such times, it
may be necessary, because of safety and the urgency of the operation, to deviate from the use of
proper pruning techniques as defined in this standard. Following the emergency, corrective pruning
should be done as necessary.
1.13 All licensed arborists should attend the annual Licensed Arborist meeting.
1.14 Tree work crews of any licensed arborist company shall temporarily stop work on a job site when
directed by the City Forester for possible violations of the safety standard 1.7, or the topping standard
8.5.3. Work shall remain stopped until the possible violation is discussed and/or corrected.
2 Definitions
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2.1 ANSI A300 - In the United States, industry-developed, national consensus standards of practice for
tree care.
2.2 ANSI Z133.1 – In the United States, industry-developed, national consensus safety standards of
practice for tree care.
2.3 arboriculture – Practice and study of the care of trees and other woody plants in the landscape.
2.4 arborist – Professional who possesses the technical competency gained through experience and
related training to provide for or supervise tree pruning, tree removal or the management of trees and
other woody plants in residential, commercial, and public landscapes.
2.5 arborist trainee – An individual undergoing on-the-job training to obtain the experience and the
competence required to provide for or supervise tree pruning, tree removal or the management of trees
and other woody plants. Such trainees shall be under the direct supervision of an arborist.
2.6 bark inclusion – See included bark.
2.7 best management practices – Best available, industry-recognized course of action, in consideration
of the benefits and limitations, based on scientific research and current knowledge.
2.8 branch – A stem arising from a larger-stem; a subdominant stem; the pith in true branches has no
connection to the parent stem.
2.9 branch bark ridge – Raised strip of bark at the top of a branch union, where the growth and
expansion of the trunk or parent stem and adjoining branch push the bark into a ridge.
2.10 branch collar – Area where a branch joins another branch or trunk that is created by the overlapping
vascular tissues from both the branch and the trunk. Typically enlarged at the base of the branch.
2.11 branch protection zone – Chemically and physically modified tissue within the trunk or parent
branch at the base of a smaller, subordinate branch that retards the spread of discoloration and decay
from the subordinate stem into the trunk or parent branch.
2.12 cambium – Thin layer(s) of meristematic cells that give rise (outward) tothe phloem and (inward) to
the xylem, increasing stem and root diameter.
2.13 City Forester - The City Forester of Fort Collins or a duly designated representative.
2.14 cleaning – Selective pruning to remove dead, diseased, cracked, and broken branches and foreign
objects.
2.15 climbing spurs – Sharp devices strapped to a climber’s lower legs to assist in climbing poles or trees
being removed. Also called spikes, gaffs, irons, hooks, or climbers.
2.16 closure – The process in a woody plant by which wound wood grows over a pruning cut or injury.
2.17 codominant stem – Forked branches nearly the same diameter (diameter ratios greater than 80%),
arising from a common junction and lacking a normal branch union.
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2.18 compartmentalization – Natural defense process in trees by which chemical and physical
boundaries are created that act to limit the spread of disease and decay organisms.
2.19 crown – Upper part of a tree, measured from the lowest branch, including all the branches and
foliage.
2.20 decay – (1) (noun)An area of wood that is undergoing decomposition. (2) (verb)decomposition of
organic tissues by fungi or bacteria.
2.21 dominant leader/trunk/stem – The stem that grows much larger than all other stems and branches.
2.22 espalier – The combination of pruning, supporting, and training branches to orient a plant in one
plane.
2.23 facility – A structure or equipment used to deliver or provide protection for the delivery of an
essential service, such as electricity or communications.
2.24 good structure/architecture/form – Branch and trunk architecture resulting in a canopy form that
resists failure.
2.25 ground work – All work on a job site except the making of pruning or removal cuts.
2.26 hanger – Loose, dangling or unsecured limb in the canopy of a tree.
2.27 heading –Cutting a shoot back to a bud, or cutting a branch back to a bud, stub or lateral branch not
large enough to assume apical dominance. Cutting an older branch or stem back to a stub.
Depending on the placement of the heading cut it is called: 1) heading to a bud; 2) heading to a
lateral; or 3) nternodal heading.
2.28 included bark – Bark that becomes embedded in a crotch (union) between branch and trunk or
between codominant stems. Causes a weak structure.
2.29 internode – The area between lateral branches or buds.
2.30 job briefing – The communication of at least the following subjects for arboricultural operations:
work specifications, hazards associated with the job, work procedures involved, special precautions,
electrical hazards, job assignments, and personal protective equipment.
2.31 interior foliage – Typically small-diameter (less than 3 inches) branches with foliage on the interior
or inner portion of the crown.
2.32 kerf – Slit or cut made by a saw in a log. Space created by a saw cut.
2.33 lateral – A branch arising from a large stem or branch.
2.34 leader – Primary terminal shoot or trunk of a tree. Large, usually upright stem. A stem that
dominates a portion of the crown by suppressing lateral branches.
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2.35 lion tailing – Poor pruning practice in which an excessive number of live branches are thinned from
the inside and lower part of specific limbs or a tree crown, leaving mostly terminal foliage. Results in
poor branch taper, poor wind load distribution, and a high risk of branch failure.
2.36 live crown ratio – The ratio of the height of crown containing live foliage to the over all height of
the tree.
2.37 mature tree – Trees that have reached at least 75 percent of their typical final height and spread.
2.38 method – A procedure or process for achieving an objective.
2.39 off-site tree – A tree located on property other than where work is authorized to occur.
2.40 parent branch or stem – A tree trunk or branch from which other branches or shoots grow.
2.41 parts to be removed – The location in the crown of a tree where pruning work will be performed.
This can be specified as all of the crown or just the section(s) of the crown to be pruned.
2.42 petiole – Stalk or support axis of a leaf.
2.43 permanent branches (permanent limbs) – In structural pruning of young trees, branches that will
be left in place, often forming the initial scaffold framework of a tree.
2.44 photosynthesis – Process in green plants (and in algae and some bacteria) by which light energy is
used to form glucose (chemical energy) from water and carbon dioxide.
2.45 phytotoxic – Term to describe a compound that is poisonous to plants.
2.46 pollarding – Specialty pruning technique in which a tree is kept relatively short. Starting on a young
tree, internodal cuts are made at a chosen height, resulting in the development of callus knobs at the
cut height. Requires regular (usually annual) removal of the sprouts arising from the cuts.
2.47 pruning – Removing branches (or occasionally roots) from a tree or other plant using approved
practices, to achieve a specified objective. Pruning does not include making sculpture from the parts
of any tree.
2.48 qualified line-clearance arborist – An individual who, through related training and on-the-job
experience, is familiar with the equipment and hazards in line clearance and has demonstrated the
ability to perform the special techniques involved. This individual may or may not be currently
employed by a line-clearance contractor.
2.49 qualified line-clearance arborist trainee – An individual undergoing line-clearance training under
the direct supervision of a qualified line-clearance arborist. In the course of the training, the trainee
becomes familiar with the equipment and hazards in line-clearance and demonstrates ability in the
performance of the special techniques involved.
2.50 raising – Selective pruning to provide vertical clearance; also known as lifting.
2.51 reaction zone – Natural boundary formed chemically within a tree to separate damaged wood from
existing, healthy wood. Important in the process of compartmentalization.
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2.52 reducing – Pruning to decrease height or spread on entire tree or one section; also referred to as
reduction or reduction pruning.
2.53 reduction cut (drop-crotch cut, lateral cut) – Pruning cut that reduces the length of a branch or
stem back to a lateral branch large enough to assume apical dominance – should be at least one third
of the diameter of the cut stem (both stems measured perpendicular to their main branch axis at the
branch junction). If less than one-third, the cut is a heading cut to a lateral.
2.54 removal cut (thinning cut) – Cut that removes a branch at its point of origin. Collar cut.
2.55 restoring – The process of pruning to improve the structure, form, and appearance of trees that have
been improperly trimmed, vandalized, or damaged.
2.56 risk assessment – The process of evaluating the potential of a tree to fail, the environment that may
contribute to tree failure, and a potential target.
2.57 scaffold limb – A limb or branch that is among the largest diameter on the tree and will remain on
the tree perhaps to maturity.
2.58 shall – As used in this standard, denotes a mandatory requirement.
2.59 shearing – Cutting back exterior growth using internodal heading cuts in one to two year old wood
resulting in a defined edge with thick outer growth. Outer growth is regularly shaved to maintain the
shape and outer density.
2.60 shoot – New stem or branch growth on a plant.
2.61 should – As used in this standard, denotes an advisory recommendation.
2.62 specifications – Detailed plans, requirements, and statements of particular procedures and/or
standards used to define and guide work.
2.63 stem – Woody structure bearing foliage and buds that gives rise to other stems (branches).
2.64 starch – Chain of sugar molecules linked together that serves as a form of energy storage in plants.
2.65 structural pruning – Pruning to establish a strong arrangement or system of scaffold branches.
2.66 stub – Portion of a branch or stem remaining after a stub cut, branch breakage, or branch death.
2.67 subordination – Pruning to reduce the size and ensuing growth of a branch in relation to other
branches or leaders.
2.68 sucker – Shoot arising from the roots. Contrast with watersprout.
2.69 thinning – In pruning, the selective removal of live branches to provide light or air penetration
through the tree or to lighten the weight of the remaining branches.
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2.70 throwline – Thin, lightweight cord attached to a throw bag or throwing ball used to set climbing or
rigging lines in trees.
2.71 topping – Inappropriate pruning technique to reduce tree size. Cutting back a tree to a predetermined
crown limit; often, but not always, at internodes.
2.72 tracing – The removal of loose, damaged tissue from in and around a wound.
2.73 tree – A large woody perennial plant having a single, usually elongated stem, generally with few or
no limbs on its lower part; or any of the species listed in Appendix A including all their cultivars,
varieties and hybrids.
2.74 tree attachment – any foreign object affixed to a City owned tree, such as signs, holiday lighting,
bicycle locks/chains, wildlife nesting boxes, etc…
2.75 trunk – Stem of a tree.
2.76 trunk flare – (1) The area at the base of the plant’s trunk where it broadens to form roots. ( 2) The
area of transition between the root system and trunk.
2.77 union (crotch) – The junction between a stem and branch or between stems.
2.78 utility – A public or private entity that delivers a public service, such as electricity or
communications.
2.79 utility space – The physical area occupied by a utility’s facilities and the additional space required to
ensure its operation .
2.80 vista/view prune – Pruning to enhance a specific view without jeopardizing the health of the tree.
2.81 watersprouts – Upright, epicormic shoots arising from the trunk or branches of a plant above the
root graft or soil line. Incorrectly called a sucker. Contrast with sucker.
2.82 wound- An opening that is created when the bark of a live branch or stem is cut, penetrated,
damaged, or removed.
2.83 wound dressing – Compound applied to tree wounds or pruning cuts.
3 Tree Inspection Before Pruning or Removal
3.1 An arborist shall visually inspect each tree before beginning pruning or removal work.
3.2 If a condition is observed requiring attention beyond the original scope of the work, the condition
should be reported to an immediate supervisor, the owner, or the person responsible for
authorizing the work.
4 Pruning Tools and Equipment
4.1 Equipment, tools, and work practices that damage living tissue and bark beyond the scope of
normal work practices shall be avoided.
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4.2 Climbing spurs shall not be used when entering and climbing trees for the purpose of pruning, tree
inspection, or any purposes other than removal. An exception will be made for aerial rescue
operations.
5 Pruning Cuts
5.1 Pruning tools used in making pruning cuts shall be sharp.
5.2 A pruning cut that removes a branch at its point of origin (removal cut) shall be made close to the
trunk, or parent branch, without leaving a stub or without cutting into the branch bark ridge or
branch collar (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 13).
5.3 A pruning cut that reduces the length of a branch or parent stem by cutting back to another branch
or stem (a reduction cut or heading cut to a lateral) shall be made at a slight downward angle
relative to the remaining stem without damaging the remaining stem (see BMP/Tree Pruning
figure 15).
5.4 When pruning to a lateral (reduction cut), the remaining lateral branch should be large enough to
assume the terminal role (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 15). A reduction cut removes a stem or
branch back to a lateral branch or stem that is large enough to assume the terminal role. This lateral
branch should be at least one-third the diameter of the removed portion. A larger ratio closer to one-
half is usually preferred. If the lateral branch that remains is less than one-third the diameter of the
removed stem (both stems measured perpendicular to their main branch axis at the branch junction),
then the cut is considered a heading cut to a lateral. A heading cut to a lateral is considered
inappropriate on most landscape trees. A reduction cut may lead to decay behind the cut. The extent
of decay depends on the diameter of the cut and the tree species. Large-diameter cuts (greater than
about 2 to 3 inches) are likely to lead to more decay than smaller cuts.
5.5 Heading cuts to a lateral (less than the one-third rule in 5.4) shall only occur when the objective for
pruning (for example reduce risk of failure, provide clearance, improve view etc…) cannot be
achieved with pruning cuts that cause less impact to the tree’s health or structural integrity (there is
not a way to prune so as to cause less impact to the tree’s health or structural integrity and still meet
the objective). Topping is an inappropriate technique in meeting an objective. Heading cuts to a
lateral can cause significant problems and shall be used with a great deal of discretion. Heading cuts
to a lateral can cause starvation due to the reduction of total leaf area and may result in irreversible
decline of a tree or main branch. Heading cuts to a lateral can also cause a large wound that may
allow decay to develop in a way that will negatively impact the structural integrity of the remaining
lateral branches or sprouts that occur around the cut. Pruning recommendations and actual pruning
work shall always regard the health and structural integrity of the tree (see 1.2).
5.6 The final pruning cut should result in a flat surface with adjacent bark firmly attached.
5.7 When removing a dead branch, the final cut shall be made just outside the collar of living tissue (see
BMP/Tree Pruning figure 14).
5.8 Tree branches shall be removed in such a manner so as to avoid damage to other parts of the tree or
to other plants or property. Minor damage to turf is often unavoidable and will be an exception.
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Branches too large to support with one hand shall be pre-cut using an acceptable three-cut method to
avoid splitting of the wood or tearing the bark (see BMP/Utility Pruning of Trees figure 3).
5.9 Multiple cutting techniques exist for application of a three-cut method. A number of them may be
used to implement an acceptable three-cut method.
5.10 A cut that removes a branch with a narrow angle of attachment should be made in such a way that it
will not cause damage to the parent branch or stem (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 13).
5.11 Severed branches (hangers – see 2.25) shall be removed from the crown upon completion of the
pruning, any time the tree is left unattended, or at the end of the workday.
5.12 Heading cuts (heading) in the internodal zone shall not be made on a branch, or a stem, two years
old or older except for the following reasons:
5.12.1 On a mature tree, a large branch or stem stub may be left to slow the movement of decay into
a major branch or main stem. The exception and the reason shall be included in the
specifications.
5.12.2. On a mature tree, a large branch or stem stub may be left for wildlife considerations. The
exception and the reason shall be included in the specifications.
5.12.3 When shearing a tree to an unnatural shape, cuts may be made in two year old wood but not in
wood three years old or older.
5.12.3.1 Pruning required to clear a street, sidewalk or other defined pedestrian or vehicle
passageway may include shearing or cutting back into wood three years old or older. This
exception shall have a height restriction of no more than ten feet above the ground.
5.12.4 Through a risk assessment conducted by an arborist it has been determined that the cut should
be made to reduce risk. This situation could occur where access is not available, or permission
to enter a property is not obtained from property owner, to make a more preferable cut. The
exception and the reason shall be included in the specifications.
5.12.5 Pollarding is a specialty pruning technique in which a tree with a large-maturing form is kept
relatively short. Starting on a young tree, internodal cuts are made at a chosen height,
resulting in the development of callus knobs at the cut height. This requires regular (usually
annual) removal of the sprouts arising from the cuts. The exception and the reason shall be
included in the specifications.
6 Wound Treatment
6.1 Wound treatments shall not be used to cover wounds or pruning cuts, except when necessary for
disease, insect, mistletoe, or sprout control, or for cosmetic reasons.
6.2 Wound treatments that are damaging to tree tissues shall not be used.
6.3 When tracing wounds, only loose, damaged tissue shall be removed.
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7 Pruning Objectives
7.1 Pruning objectives shall be established prior to beginning any pruning operation.
7.2 Objectives should include, but are not limited to, any of the following (see BMP/Tree Pruning pages
4 and 5):
• Reduce risk of failure
• Provide clearance
• Reduce shade
• Reduce wind resistance
• Maintain health
• Influence flower or fruit production
• Improve a view
• Improve aesthetics
8 Pruning Methods (Types)
8.1 Pruning method (type) shall be specified prior to commencement of work.
8.2 Pruning to Clean: Cleaning shall consist of pruning to remove one or more of the following non-
beneficial parts: dead, diseased and/or broken branches (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 2).
8.2.1 Location of parts to be removed shall be specified prior to commencement of work.
8.3 Pruning to Thin: Thinning shall consist of selective removal of live branches to reduce crown
density (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 3).
8.3.1 Thinning should result in an even distribution of branches on individual branches and
throughout the crown.
8.3.2 Lion tailing is a poor pruning practice and shall not occur when pruning live branches during
thinning.
8.3.3 Not more than 25 percent of the live crown should be removed within an annual growing
season.
8.3.4 Location of parts to be removed shall be specified prior to commencement of work.
8.4 Pruning to Raise: Raising shall consist of selective removal of branches to provide vertical
clearance. Crown raising should shorten or remove lower branches to provide clearance for buildings,
signs, vehicles, pedestrians, vistas or other considerations (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 4).
8.4.1 Live crown ratio should not be reduced to less than 50 percent (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure
5).
8.4.2 Location and size range of parts to be removed should be specified prior to commencement of
work.
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8.5 Pruning to Reduce (shape, drop crotch): Reduction shall consist of pruning branches or stems to
decrease the height and/or spread of a tree. This type of pruning is done to minimize risk of failure, to
reduce height or spread, for utility line clearance, or to clear vegetation from buildings or other
structures (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure 6).
8.5.1 Not all trees can be reduced. Therefore, the species and plant health shall be considered prior to
commencement of work.
8.5.2 Crown reduction should be accomplished using reduction and removal cuts. The trees form,
branch structure, health and structural integrity shall be considered in determining the
appropriate amount of reduction to meet the objective.
8.5.3 Topping shall not be used as a pruning technique to reduce tree size by cutting back a tree to a
predetermined crown limit. (see BMP Utility Pruning of Trees figures 12 and figure 13).
For the purposes of this standard, topping shall be interpreted using the definition in 2.68.
8.5.4 When a limb on a mature tree is cut back to a lateral (reduction cut), no more than one-fourth
of its foliage should be removed.
8.5.5 Location of parts to be removed or clearance requirements shall be specified prior to
commencement of work.
8.6 Pruning for Structure: Structural pruning shall consist of selective pruning to improve tree and
branch architecture primarily on young and medium aged trees (see BMP/Tree Pruning figures 7 and
8).
8.6.1 Dominant leader(s) should be selected for development as appropriate.
8.6.2 Strong, properly spaced scaffold branch structure should be selected for and maintained by
reducing or removing other branches.
8.6.3 Temporary branches should be retained or reduced as appropriate.
8.6.4 Interfering, overextended, defective, weak and/or poorly attached branches should be removed
or reduced.
8.6.5 Size and location of leaders or branches to be subordinated or removed should be specified
prior to commencement of work.
8.7 Pruning to Restore: Restoration shall consist of selective pruning to redevelop structure, form and
appearance of severely pruned, vandalized or otherwise damaged trees (see BMP/Tree Pruning figure
9).
8.7.1 Location in tree, size range of parts, and percentage of sprouts to be removed should be
specified prior to commencement of work.
9 Utility Pruning
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9.1 Purpose: The purpose of utility pruning is to prevent the loss of service, comply with mandated
clearance laws, prevent damage to equipment, maintain access, and uphold the intended usage of the f
facility/utility space while adhering to accepted tree care performance standards.
9.2 Pruning cuts shall be made in accordance with sub-clauses 5.1 through 5.12.
9.3 A minimum number of pruning cuts should be made to accomplish the purpose of utility pruning.
The structure and growth habit of the tree shall be considered prior to commencement of work (see
BMP/Utility Pruning of Trees figure 8).
9.4 Utility pruning should be accomplished by removing entire branches. Branches that, when cut, will
produce vigorous sprouts that would grow into facilities and/or utility space should be removed (see
BMP/Utility Pruning of Trees figure 8).
9.5 Branches shall be cut to laterals (reduction cuts), or the parent branches (removal cuts), and not at a
pre-established clearing limit. If clearance limits are established, pruning cuts shall be made at laterals
or parent branches outside the specified clearance zone (see BMP/Utility Pruning of Trees figures 9,
12 and13).
9.6 Trees growing next to, and into or toward utility spaces should be pruned by reducing branches to
laterals to direct growth away from the utility space or by removing entire branches. Branches that,
when cut, will produce vigorous sprouts that would grow into facilities and/or utility space should be
removed (see BMP/Utility Pruning of Trees figures 9 and 10).
9.7 During a utility-declared emergency, service must be restored as quickly as possible. At such times,
it may be necessary, because of safety and the urgency of service restoration, to deviate from the use
of proper pruning techniques as defined in this standard. Following the emergency, corrective pruning
should be done as necessary.
9.8 Only a qualified line-clearance arborist or line-clearance arborist trainee shall be assigned to line
clearance work in accordance with industry requirements and regulations.
9.9 Job briefings shall be performed as out-lined in ANSI Z133.1 sub-clause 3.1.4.
9.10 To be compliant with the Colorado Revised Title 9 Safety-Industrial and Commercial, Article 2.5 –
High Voltage Power Line Safety Requirements, Statute: Only qualified employees of an electric
utility shall perform any activity that may bring an individual or equipment within ten feet of high
voltage overhead lines (lines in excess of 600 volts). Contractors working directly for the utility shall
be considered qualified. Non-qualified employees or individuals must contact the appropriate utility
to make arrangements for safe activity.
10 Pesticide Application Standards:
10.1 Pesticide application to trees shall adhere to all state and federal licensing, pesticide storage,
handling, disposal and application regulations.
10.2 In conducting pesticide application operations, all work shall be performed using methods and
equipment in such a manner so as to avoid and prevent damage to other plants, properties, structures
or persons. ANSI Z133.1 for Arboricultural Operations – Safety Requirements is the industry-
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developed national consensus standard for safety. ANSI Z133.1 shall be referenced by the City
Forester in interpreting this standard.
10.3 Work should comply with the most recent edition of ANSI Z133.1 (most current edition is ANSI
Z133.1-2006) for Arboricultural Operations-Safety Requirements.
10.4 Pesticide application practices shall comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
10.5 Pesticide application crews of any licensed arborist company shall temporarily stop work on a job
site when directed by the City Forester for possible violations of 10.2. Work shall remain stopped
until the possible violation is discussed and/or corrected.
Section B: Best Management Practices.
1 Use of Best Management Practices:
1.1 Best Management Practices 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 shall be used as an aid in the interpretation of the
standards in Section A.
1.2 City of Fort Collins employees, companies holding an arborist license or any other business or
individual shall perform all work on or around trees located on City property in accordance with
the Best Management Practices for arboriculture, as identified in 1.3 unless otherwise directed
by the City Forester. The Best Management Practices are good guidelines for all arborists to
follow. Companies holding an arborist license are encouraged, but not required, to follow the
Best Management Practices when working on trees located on private property.
1.3 These documents are published by and available from The International Society of
Arboriculture. The most recent editions of these Best Management Practices shall be used.
1.3.1 Best Management Practices/Tree Pruning
1.3.2 Best Management Practices/Utility Pruning of Trees
1.3.3 Best Management Practices/Tree Support Systems
1.3.4 Best Management Practices/Tree Lightning Protection Systems
1.3.5 Best Management Practices/Tree Planting
1.3.6 Best management Practices/ Integrated Pest Management
1.3.7 Best Management Practices/Managing Trees During Construction
1.3.8 Best Management Practices/Tree Fertilization.
Section C: Miscellaneous Standards.
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1 Miscellaneous Standards Regarding Human Health Risk and Protection of City Trees:
1.1 Tree houses and swings shall not be installed in trees on City property.
1.2 For trees on City property, all installation, placement or removal of any tree attachment (see 2.74)
shall be done in a manner (including timing and duration of installation) so as not to cause
damage to any tree in the present, or in the future, as determined by the City Forester.
1.3 Climbing to perform work shall not occur in City trees except by authorized and qualified
individuals as determined by the City Forester.
1.3.1 Climbing of City trees shall occur only:
- when performing tree maintenance
- when installing or removing tree attachments or objects
- for City sponsored arboricultural training or competition
- during rescue or emergency situations
1.3.2 During City sponsored arboricultural events, such as training or competitions, participants of
various skill levels may climb designated trees on City property if they have filled out
and signed the appropriate waiver(s). Such events must have on-site supervision by one
or more arborists that are qualified to climb.
Appendix A:
Tree species list referenced in section 2.73
under the definition of “tree”
Conifer List:
Scientific Name Common Name
Abies concolor white (concolor) fir
Abies lasiocarpa subalpine (alpine) fir
Calocedrus decurrens incense cedar
Cedrus atlantica Atlas cedar
Cedrus deodora Deodar cedar
Cedrus libani Cedar of Lebanon
Chamaecyparis nootkanensis Alaska cedar
Cupressus arizonica Arizona cypress
Cupressus bakeri Modoc cypress
Cupressus sempervirens Italian cypress
Juniperus chinensis Chinese juniper
Juniperus monosperma one-seed juniper
Juniperus osteosperma Utah juniper
Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain juniper
Juniperus virginiana eastern red cedar
Larix decidua European larch
Larix kaempferi Japanese larch
Metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood
Picea abies Norway spruce
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Picea engelmannii Engelmann spruce
Picea glauca Black Hills (white) spruce
Picea omorika Serbian spruce
Picea pungens Colorado Blue (blue) spruce
Pinus aristata bristlecone pine
Pinus bungeana lacebark pine
Pinus contorta lodgepole pine
Pinus densiflora Japanese red pine
Pinus edulis pinyon pine
Pinus flexilis limber pine
Pinus monophylla single leaf pinyon pine
Pinus monticola western white pine
Pinus mugo Mugo pine
Pinus nigra Austrian pine
Pinus parviflora Japanese white pine
Pinus ponderosa ponderosapine
Pinus strobiformus southwest white pine
Pinus strobus eastern white pine
Pinus sylvestris Scotch pine
Pinus thunbergiana Japanese black pine
Pinus wallichiana Himalayan pine
Pseodotsuga menziesii Douglas fir
Sequoiadendron giganteum giant sequoia
Taxodium distichum baldcypress
Thuja occidentalis eastern arborvitae
Thuja orientalis oriental arborvitae
Thuja plicata western red cedar
Shade Tree and Ornamental List:
Scientific Name Common Name
Acer buergeranum trident maple
Acer campestre hedge maple
Acer ginnala Ginnala (Amur) maple
Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain maple
Acer grandidentatum canyon (bigtooth) maple
Acer griseum paperbark maple
Acer negundo
boxelder (Manitoba or ash-leaved)
maple
Acer nigrum black maple
Acer palmatum Japanese maple
Acer platanoides Norway maple
Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore maple
Acer rubrum red maple
Acer saccharinum silver maple
Acer saccharum sugar maple
Acer tataricum Tatarian maple
Acer truncatum Shantung (purpleblow) maple
Aesculus glabra Ohio buckeye
Aesculus horsechestnut
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hippocastanum
Aesculus x carnea red horsechestnut
Aesculus californica California buckeye
Ailanthus altissima tree-of-heaven
Albizia julibrissin mimosa (silk tree or albizia)
Alnus glutinosa European (common) alder
Alnus tenuifolia thinleaf (mountain) alder
Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon (western) serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea downy serviceberry
Amelanchier
canadensis thicket serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis smooth-leaf serviceberry
Amelanchier utahensis Utah serviceberry
Betula nigra river birch
Betula occidentalis water (river) birch
Betula papyrifera paper birch
Betula pendula European white birch
Carpinus betulus European hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam
Carya illinoensis pecan
Carya cordiformis bitternut hickory
Carya laciniosa shellbark hickory
Carya ovata shagbark hickory
Castanea dentata American chestnut
Castanea mollissima Chinese chestnut
Catalpa bignonioides southern catalpa
Catalpa speciosa western (northern) catalpa
Celtis occidentalis common hackberry
Celtis laevigata sugarberry
Celtis reticulata netleaf hackberry
Cercidiphyllum
japonicum Katsuratree
Cercis canadensis eastern redbud (Judas tree)
Cercis occidentalis western (California) redbud
Cercocarpus ledifolia curlleaf mountain-mahogany
Chilopsis linearis desert willow
Cladrastis lutea yellowwood
Cornus alternifolia pagoda (alternate-leaf) dogwood
Cornus florida flowering dogwood
Cornus kousa Kousa dogwood
Cornus mas corneliancherry dogwood
Corylus americana American (hazelnut) filbert
Corylus colurna Turkish (hazelnut) filbert
Corylus cornuta beaked (hazelnut) filbert
Cotinus coggygria common smoketree (smokebush)
Cotinus obovatus chittamwood or American smoketree
Cowania mexicana cliffrose (quininebush)
Crataegus species hawthorns
Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian Olive
Fagus grandifolia American beech
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Fagus sylvatica European beech
Fraxinus americana white ash
Fraxinus anomola singleleaf (dwarf) ash
Fraxinus excelsior European ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash
Fraxinus
quadrangulata blue ash
Fraxinus velutina Modesto (velvet) ash
Gleditsia triacanthos honeylocust
Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky coffeetree
Juglans cinerea butternut
Juglans major Arizona walnut
Juglans microcarpa little walnut
Juglans nigra black walnut
Juglans regia English (Persian) walnut
Koelreuteria paniculata golden rain tree
Laburnum x watereri goldenchain tree (Waterer laburnum)
Liquidambar styraciflua American sweetgum
Liriodendron tulipifera tuliptree (yellow or tulip poplar)
Maclura pomifera Osage-orange
Magnolia acuminata cucumber magnolia
Magnolia kobus Kobus magnolia
Magnolia stellata star magnolia
Magnolia x loebneri Loebner magnolia
Magnolia x
soulangiana saucer magnolia
Malus species apples and crabapples
Melia azedarach Chinaberry
Morus alba white mulberry
Morus rubra red mulberry
Ostrya knowltonii Knowlton hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana eastern hophornbeam (ironwood)
Phellodendron
amurense Amur corktree
Pistacia chinensis Chinese pistache
Pistacia vera pistachio
Platanus occidentalis American sycamore (planetree)
Platanus x acerifolia London planetree
Populus alba white (silver) poplar
Populus angustifolia narrowleaf cottonwood
Populus balsamifera balsam poplar
Populus bolleana Bolleana poplar
Populus deltoides eastern cottonwood
Populus fremontii Fremont cottonwood
Populus nigra Lombardy poplar
Populus sargentii plains cottonwood
Populus species miscellaneous cottonwood
Populus tremuloides quaking aspen
Populus trichocarpa black cottonwood
Populus x acuminata lanceleaf cottonwood
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Populus x canadensis hybrid poplar
Prosopsis glandulosa honey mesquite
Prunus americana American plum
Prunus armeniaca apricot
Prunus avium sweet (mazzard) cherry
Prunus cerasifera purpleleaf (cherry) plum
Prunus cerasus sour cherry
Prunus domestica common plum
Prunus mahaleb St. Lucie cherry
Prunus mume Japanese apricot
Prunus nigra Canada plum
Prunus padus Mayday tree or European birdcherry
Prunus pennsylvanica pin cherry
Prunus persica peach
Prunus salicina Japanese plum
Prunus sargentii Sargent cherry
Prunus serotina black cherry
Prunus serrulata Japanese flowering (oriental) cherry
Prunus subhirtella Higan cherry
Prunus virginiana common chokecherry
Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino cherry
Ptelea angustifolia
wafer-ash or western (common)
hoptree
Pyrus species pears
Quercus acutissima sawtooth oak
Quercus alba white oak
Quercus bicolor swamp white oak
Quercus buckleyi Texas red oak
Quercus cerris turkey oak
Quercus gambelii Gambel (scrub) oak
Quercus imbricaria shingle (laurel) oak
Quercus macrocarpa bur oak
Quercus muehlenbergii chinkapin oak
Quercus palustris pin oak
Quercus robur English oak
Quercus rubra northern red oak
Quercus shumardii Shumard oak
Quercus turbinella shrub live oak
Quercus undulata wavyleaf oak
Robinia neomexicana New Mexican locust
Robinia pseudoacacia black locust
Robinia x ambigua Idaho flowering locust
Salix amygdaloides peach leaf willow
Salix babylonica weeping willow
Salix fragilis crack willow
Salix matsudana Navajo or globe willow
Salix nigra black willow
Sambucus cerulea blue elder
Sophora japonica Japanese pagodatree (scholar tree)
Sorbus alnifolia Korean mountain ash
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Sorbus americana American mountain ash
Sorbus aucuparia European mountain ash (rowan)
Sorbus decora showy mountain ash
Sorbus scopulina Greene mountain ash
Syringa pekinensis Peking tree lilac
Syringa reticulata Japanese tree lilac
Tamarix ramosissima common tamarisk (salt-cedar)
Tilia americana American linden
Tilia cordata littleleaf (European) linden
Tilia tomentosa silver linden
Tilia x euchlora Crimean linden
Ulmus americana American elm
Ulmus davidiana David elm
Ulmus japonica Japanese elm
Ulmus parvifolia lacebark (Chinese) elm
Ulmus procera English elm
Ulmus pumila Siberian elm
Ulmus species miscellaneous elms
Zelkova serrata Japanese zelkova