San Francisco Board hears appeal to remove 10 hazardous trees at Saint Francis Square

The San Francisco Public Works meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the contentious appeal regarding the removal of 15 poplar trees at Saint Francis Square, located at 1320 to 1324 Ellis Street and 1335 Laguna Street. The appeal was initiated by resident DJ Bowler, contesting a public works order issued on June 16, 2023, which approved the removal of 10 significant trees on private property and one street tree, with plans for limited replacements.

During the meeting, Bowler expressed concerns about the safety of the trees, citing a growing atmosphere of fear among residents following incidents of falling branches. She advocated for a thorough Level 2 tree risk assessment to evaluate the trees' safety before any removals were finalized. Bowler emphasized the importance of community input and the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the trees' health, referencing an arborist report that suggested no immediate risk assessment had been conducted.

In contrast, representatives from the Saint Francis Square Cooperative, including board member Connie Ford, argued for the necessity of tree removals, citing safety concerns for nearby schools and residences. Ford highlighted that multiple arborists had deemed the trees unsafe due to decay and structural issues, and she presented evidence of community support for the removals, including over 125 signatures from residents and local organizations.

Chris Buck from the Bureau of Urban Forestry provided additional context, explaining that the trees had reached the end of their lifespan and posed a public safety risk. He noted that the city had conducted thorough evaluations and found significant decay in several trees, justifying their removal. Buck also proposed a revised replacement plan, suggesting the planting of six significant trees on Ellis Street and one on Laguna Street, which would increase the number of replacements from the original plan.

The board ultimately voted to continue the matter to September 27, 2025, allowing all parties to submit briefs and ensuring proper notification of the hearing with corrected addresses. The decision reflects a commitment to thorough evaluation and community engagement in the management of urban forestry, balancing safety concerns with the preservation of green spaces in the city.