Board of Appeals grants neighbor’s appeal, conditions school’s removal of five ficus trees

The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Wednesday granted an appeal from neighbors opposed to removal of five ficus street trees at 2350 Green Street, but required the permit holder and the Bureau of Urban Forestry to minimize the time between removal and replacement and to consult with the neighborhood on replacement species.

The appeal arose after San Francisco Public Works issued an order approving removal of five ficus street trees with 36-inch-box replacements. Gordy Holterman, representing nearby residents, said the trees were healthy, under private agreement to be maintained by the school and neighborhood, and that the timing raised suspicion tied to recent school renovation permits.

“For example, the trees are super healthy…they’re just over 20 years into their lifespan,” Holterman said, urging the board to require alternatives such as pruning and larger replacement stock.

San Francisco Public Works urban forester Chris Buck told the board certified arborists found structural defects and decay that made the trees prone to failure. “The structural condition of these trees is very, very poor,” Buck said, describing co-dominant stems with included bark and decay at unions as reasons staff approved removal and 36-inch-box replacements.

Commissioners pressed staff and the proponents on ownership, maintenance responsibility and timing. Buck said the trees are within the public right-of-way, the city assumed responsibility in 2017 under Proposition E, and the permit process requires the applicant (the school/parish) to install replacements and maintain them for three years before the city assumes care.

Vice President Anne Lazarus moved to grant the appeal with conditions: the bureau and permit holder must minimize the interval between removal and planting and consult with neighbors and the school on replacement species, with BUFF retaining final determination if parties cannot agree. The motion carried 3-0.

The board’s decision directs the parties to reduce the time lag — Public Works staff told commissioners planting could occur within a month if trees and contractors are ordered and staged, though two months was suggested as a realistic window to allow contingency planning. The decision also recorded that the school would initially be responsible for the replacement trees and their care during the three-year establishment window.

Next steps include the permit holder coordinating species selection and scheduling with BUFF and the neighborhood; the bureau said it would support an expedited schedule and work to avoid a bare interval that would leave the street without canopy cover.