City of Carpinteria COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

September 13, 2021

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION

Status Report of Treatment of Various Street Trees Along Eleanor Drive, La Paloma Drive, Malibu Drive, Sterling Avenue, Sterling Way, and Tomol Drive.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Action Item _x_ ; Non-Action Item _,

Receive and file the status report.

Sample Motion: I move to receive and file the status report.

BACKGROUND

Last year summer, there were complaint reports from residents about an insect infestation that was affecting various street trees along Eleanor Drive, La Paloma Drive, Malibu Drive, Sterling Avenue, Sterling Way, and Tomol Drive. See Attachment A for location map. In staff's consultation with a pest control professional at the time, the Ash Leafcurl Aphid was found to be the insect that was affecting the street trees, mainly ash trees. This aphid is biologically classified in the family of Wooley Aphids, and it naturally defends itself with a white, waxy protective covering against predators and parasites. Aphids cause tree leaves to curl in tight clumps that are used as a protective shelter for them. As also a part of this natural process, its waxy excretions turn into droppings that are observed to be staining adjacent infrastructure such as sidewalks, curbs, and/or gutters.

In the months of June and July 2020, the Public Works Department administered multiple insecticide oil and soap spray treatments in order to control the Ash Leafcurl Aphid based on the recommendation of a pest control professional as well as the guidance in the City's Integrated Pest Management policy. The insecticide oils and soaps rely on full coverage and complete contact to control the insect. In August 2020, staff reported to the Tree Advisory Board (TAB) that the aphid infestation has been substantially controlled. The TAB did receive requests from a few residents for the removal of the street trees despite the treatments at the time. The TAB requested for staff to list these street trees in the Annual Tree Tour that year and to notify the

Status Report of Treatment of Various Street Trees Along Eleanor Drive, La Paloma Drive, Malibu Drive, Sterling Avenue, Sterling Way, and Tomol Drive September 13, 2021 Page 2

residents along said streets who had requested for these street tree removals. In October 2020, the TAB conducted the Annual Tree Tour.

At its meeting of November 19, 2020, the TAB discussed its Annual Tree Tour findings concerning the street trees. The TAB advised staff to continue with the insecticide treatments for the street trees located at 4714 Malibu Drive, 4723 Malibu Drive, 4739 Malibu Drive, 4753 Malibu Drive, 4771 Malibu Drive, 4840 Malibu Drive, 4856 Malibu Drive, 1413 Sterling Avenue, and 1432 Sterling Avenue. The TAB further advised staff to reevaluate the street trees after the rainy season and to list the street trees again on the Annual Tree Tour for the following year.

At the City Council Meeting of August 9, 2021, Ms. Alyssa Gonzalez of 4723 Malibu Drive commented on this matter. After hearing the comment from Ms. Gonzalez, the City Council requested for this matter to return as a staff report in its next regularly scheduled meeting. The purpose of this agenda matter is for the City Council to receive and file staff's status report of the insecticide treatments to date for the various street trees along Eleanor Drive, La Paloma Drive, Malibu Drive, Sterling Avenue, Sterling Way, and Tomol Drive.

DISCUSSION

This summer, the Ash Leafcurl Aphid was again observed returning to the street trees. On July 6 and 15, 2021, the Public Works Department administered insecticide treatments specifically to forty-two (42) ash trees collectively along Malibu Drive and Sterling Avenue. In consultation with staff's in-house certified arborist, Ms. Tiffany Smith, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, the insecticide injection treatment method was administered. The insecticide product administered was Pointer by ArborSystems. This product's active ingredient is lmidacloprid. It is an insecticide that mimics nicotine, a natural ingredient found in tobacco and other plants, but toxic to sucking-type insects such as termites, fleas, and aphids in this case. The injection method is systemic by translocating the insecticide through the leaves. As the aphid feeds on the foliage, it dies off which breaks the life cycle. Said method substantially conforms to the emergency tenant of the City's Integrated Pest Management policy.

In early August 2021, the aforementioned street trees were again examined by staff's in-house certified arborist, and the findings were reported in the TAB Meeting of August 19, 2021. Staff reported that the street trees were responding well again to the insecticide injection. Attachment B to this report are photographs of the 4700 block of Malibu Drive that illustrate the results of the insecticide injection treatment. As the photographs show, there is evidence of prior aphid activity. There are also indications of aphids that died off. Further, new foliage is sprouting as an indication of the efficacy from the insecticide injection treatment in controlling the aphid infestation.

These street trees will again be scheduled for the Annual Tree Tour pursuant to the TAB. The Annual Tree Tour is anticipated for next month, October. In the meantime, the

Status Report of Treatment of Various Street Trees Along Eleanor Drive, La Paloma Drive, Malibu Drive, Sterling Avenue, Sterling Way, and Tomol Drive September 13, 2021 Page 3

Public Works Department will continue to monitor the street trees. Additional insecticide oil and soap spray and/or injection treatments will be administered as needed.

POLICY CONSISTENCY

The insecticide treatments substantially conform to the City's Integrated Pest Management policy and the Street Tree Management Plan, respectively.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

There is no cost that is anticipated in the staff recommendation.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

By following the policies and/or protocols of the City's Integrated Pest Management and the Street Tree Management Plan, respectively, as it relates to tree care, the City is carrying out good risk management practices.

OPTIONS

1. Receive and file status report. (Staff Recommendation) 2. The City Council could choose to not approve the recommendation and direct

staff as determined appropriate.

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING

Residents who live along Eleanor Drive, La Paloma Drive, Malibu Drive, Sterling Avenue, Sterling Way, and Tomol Drive.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A: Attachment B:

Location Map Photographs

Staff contact: John L. Ilasin, Public Works Director (805) 880-3402; johni@ci.carpinteria.ca.us

Reviewed by: Dave Durflinger, City Manager (805) 755-4400, daved@ci.carpinteria.ca.us

ATTACHMENT A

Location Map

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ATTACHMENT B

Photographs

4700 BLOCK MALIBU DR.

4700 BLOCK MALIBU DR.