Ruston Way Tree Program - Community Forum Jan 25

Community Forum about Trees on Ruston Way
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St.
Weds, January 25; 6:00 pm

Metro Parks in partnership with the City of Tacoma has developed the Ruston Way Tree Maintenance Program to address maintenance and design issues along the popular waterside walkway. The plan goal is to address the following issues, without compromising the design aesthetics of this scenic promenade that was first developed in the late 70s and early 80s.

Metro Parks staff will review the program plan with the public during a forum on January 25, 2012 at Slavonian Hall beginning at 6pm. View meeting notice.

Issues:

• Sidewalk trip hazards: Undersized tree planters and poor rooting conditions have caused trees to develop shallow root systems which in turn lift the sidewalk, and reduce the health and stability of the existing trees.
• Tree replacement: In small rooting areas, tree roots are filling all of the soil space, making it difficult (or in many cases, impossible) to replace single trees that have died.
• Tree condition: Many of the existing trees have unusual branching systems that tend to break as they get large. Also, many trees close to the street have been damaged by vehicles.
• Tree diversity: The current makeup of trees is limited to 3 species, two of which are maples. It's important for urban tree collections to be diversified to help protect against pests which tend to affect particular species (ie losses experienced as a result of Dutch Elm Disease).
• Effects on the neighborhood: Add native plants to link Ruston Way with the natural environment, and protect view corridors between Old Town and the waterfront.

The program plan was developed from public input obtained through two workshops and an online survey conducted in 2011. It outlines strategies for addressing issues in each of 28 different zones along Ruston Way, allowing necessary maintenance and replacement of sidewalks, irrigation and trees to occur in a phased approach over time, to create minimal aesthetic impact as this crucial work occurs.

More information? Contact Kathy Sutalo, urban forester, 253-591-2039