PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM
Level 1 Traffic Calming: STREET TREES

Install street trees behind the sidewalk or pedestrian pathway along the length of the roadway. This traffic calming measure attempts to narrow the visual corridor of the roadway. Narrowing the visual corridor may influence motorists to drive more cautiously (hopefully slower) because of the apparent reduction of the "shy" distance along the roadway. Without street trees, the visual corridor may be defined in part by the front of houses. By adding street trees, the visual corridor becomes defined by the tree canopies which are closer to the roadway.

Street trees provide several community advantages as well as inconveniences:

• Narrows the visual corridor along the roadway influencing motorists to drive more cautiously.
• Improves the aesthetic character of the community.
• Provides a buffer between the roadway and residences.
• Trees may take time to mature in order to provide the desired effect.
• There is a maintenance responsibility for the tree assumed by the property owners.
• The potential for uplifting of the sidewalk is increased.
• There is a potential for an increase of safety and liability issues

IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of this traffic calming measure requires the cooperation and support of the property owners along the roadway since street trees will be the responsibility of the property owner per the Alameda County Tree Ordinance. However, street trees will not be needed at every property to get the desired effect of narrowing the visual corridor - however, more street trees improve the residential character of the neighborhood.

The County occasionally receives grants for street trees. However, if trees are not available from the County, other sources of street trees will need to be identified.