Final Scheduled Tree Removal and Future Plantings on East Anapamu Street

The City of Santa Barbara’s Urban Forestry staff will begin the final planned Italian stone pine removal on East Anapamu Street next week after a biologist deemed a previously active bird’s nest inactive. Four of five planned removals were performed in June 2024 after a comprehensive tree risk assessment identified five mature trees with dead and decaying roots, requiring removal to protect public safety. Removal of the fifth tree is expected to begin on Monday, July 29.

The historic trees were planted in 1908 and 1929 and have been weakened by a combination of factors, including drought, disease, and development over the past century. When the trees were planted, East Anapamu Street was a wide, unpaved road. Today, the trees are in narrow parkways ranging from 4-6 feet. The large lateral roots of the Italian stone pines cause damage to nearby asphalt and concrete, lifting sidewalks and damaging roads and gutters. As repairs are made to the surrounding hardscape for safety and accessibility, the roots of the trees are cut, weakening the tree. Canopy pruning to accommodate overhead utility lines places additional stress on the mature trees. 

Urban Forestry staff will discuss plans to replant East Anapamu Street at multiple upcoming public meetings. These discussions will include whether to continue planting Italian stone pines or whether other tree species could successfully restore the iconic canopy while honoring Santa Barbara’s horticultural legacy. 

Upcoming Meetings
July 24, 2024 - Parks and Recreation Commission
August 1, 2024 - Street Tree Advisory Committee
October 3, 2024 - Street Tree Advisory Committee
October 23, 2024 - Parks and Recreation Commission

Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/StonePines for more information, including answers to frequently asked questions.