The City recently removed several trees along Franklin Avenue and in Pioneer Park after they were determined to be dead or dying following an extended period of monitoring and evaluation. While the exact cause of the tree decline remains under investigation, the trees could not be saved.

In accordance with nationally recognized ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards, dead trees should be removed within six months to minimize the risk of structural deterioration. As dead wood dries and decays, trees become increasingly susceptible to limb failure or collapse, creating potential hazards for pedestrians, vehicles, nearby structures, and other park users.

The City is committed to restoring the tree canopy as quickly as possible. Replacement planting is planned for later this year, when cooler temperatures provide the best conditions for successful establishment. Planting during the fall and early winter significantly improves tree survival and reduces the amount of supplemental irrigation needed during establishment.

Consistent with the recently adopted Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan, replacement trees will be selected to increase the diversity and resilience of Mountain View's urban forest. At least 60% of the new trees will be regionally-native species, and the rest will be California-native species, helping to support local wildlife, improve climate resilience, and create a healthier urban forest for future generations.

The City remains committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process. As additional information becomes available from the ongoing investigation into the cause of the tree decline, updates will be shared with the public. Once the replacement planting plan has been finalized, details about the replanting effort, including the tree species selected and planting schedule, will also be made publicly available.