LTC 458-2017 Urban Forestry Division Post-Storm Activities & Sch� - . �� 5 � �: � { � � � L�. .�' +4 � �,:, �
City of Miami Beath, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.aov
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
Tel: 305-673-7010 , Fax: 305-673-7782
NO. LTC # �58-2017
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT
LEZTER TO COMMISSION
Mayor Philip Levine and Members f the City Com ission
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager�
September 18, 2017
,�
Urban Forestry Division Post-Storm Activities & Schedule
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide an update on the Urban Forestry
Division's post-storm activities and office schedule as we transition back to normal operations.
Urban Forestry staff continues to conduct post-storm tree assessment and recovery. However,
the Urban Forestry Division office will re-open with limited hours (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.) starting
tomorrow Tuesday, September 19 to provide technical assistance on tree protection and to
issue tree work permits. Normal hours of operation will resume on Monday, September 25.
Last week, staff assisted in clearing vegetative debris from roadways to allow the safe passage
of emergency vehicles, landfall teams, and other traffic. Staff also removed loose debris that
could be a potential hazard and re-staked young trees as these are most likely to recover after
being uprooted. This week staff will continue assessing trees on public property (City parks and
right-of-way) to identify additional trees that can be preserved through re-staking, as well as
those that could pose a potential hazard and need to be removed. Staff will also be conducting
a citywide inventory to quantify the overall canopy loss from the storm and develop an action
plan toward meeting our urban forestry goals.
The Urban Forestry Division staff is available during office hours for residents and businesses
that have questions regarding re-establishment of trees or other post-storm tree matters at 305-
673-7722. It is recommended that homeowners with tree damage consult with their tree expert
or certified arborist on the best course of action for their respective properties. In the interim, the
root ball of uprooted trees should be protected and kept moist to increase their potential for
survival. Furthermore, broken or damaged branches should be removed. Hanging palm fronds
should be kept in place as these provide key nutrients that will allow the palm tree to re-
establish new fronds.
For further information, please contact Omar Leon, Urban Forester, at 305-673-7722.
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