TREE ADVISORY
GROUP UPDATE
TAG MISSION STATEMENT
The Tree Advisory Group’s (TAG) mission is to foster a thriving urban forest in Bakersfield by promoting the planting, care, and preservation of trees for the benefit of the environment, community, and generations to come.
TAG MEMBERS: CMO Selected Members
Antje Lauer
John Karlik
Marcos Rodriguez
Melissa Iger
Peter Wollesen
Rich Oneil
URBAN TREE MANAGEMENT
At the request of TAG: Improve contract oversite and trimming standards Coordinated planning and maintenance to reduce risk and support sustainable urban infrastructure.
Facilitated meetings with industry professionals and TAG members to discuss city-focused urban tree management.
Evaluate the urban tree population.
Establish maintenance standards.
Key operational challenges:
Business District
Safety for citizens traveling on roadways
Citizen complaints
TREE CONTRACT
At the request of TAG: Improve contract
language and contractor oversight.
TAG prioritized improved contractor
oversight and standards.
TAG reviewed previous contract and
recommended changes.
New contract was awarded with TAG
recommendations included.
TREE TRIMMING SCHEDULE
At the request of TAG: Trim during non nesting season
According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife nesting season is typically February 1st through August 31st.
Five (5) month trimming schedule (September through
January).
2024 trimming during nesting season - 9,474.
2025 trimming during nesting season - 173 Palms.
Hazards and clearance issues addressed year-round.
TREE REMOVALS
At the request of TAG: Requested
all trees be reviewed by a certified
arborist.
704 trees were removed in
2025.
Each tree was inspected by a
TRAQ certified arborist and a
city certified arborist.
CITY APPROVED RECOMMENDED TREE LIST
At the request of TAG: Dedicated a list of trees to be used in public spaces throughout Bakersfield
TAG created a sub-committee to establish a recommended tree list. Director approved TAG recommended tree list on 12/11/2025. Recommended tree list consists of 3 categories:
Kern River Parkway
City Streetscapes
City Parks
TREE INVENTORY
At the request of TAG: Develop a tree inventory to better understand our urban forest size and needs
Allocated funds
Tree inventory and risk assessment contract awarded
Phase 1: Parks
Spring 2026 inventory begins
TREES PLANTED
At the request of TAG: Increase tree
plantings across the City.
Demonstrates sustained year over
year planting increases.
Obtained Transformative Climate
Communities (TCC) Grant for Lowell
Park.
“Tree for Tree” Good across city-wide
inventory.
Calendar Year Tree Count
2022 797
2023 705
2024 818
2025 1222
2026 TREE PLANTINGS
At the request of TAG:
Evaluated planting locations with
prioritization of underserved areas.
15 gallon and 24” box trees will be
planted where appropriate.
Recreation and Parks received $150,000
from City Council to increase urban
canopy.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/ADOPTED
TAG RECOMMENDATIONS
(Past 11 Months)
City approved recommended
tree list.
Implemented new trimming
schedule.
Tree inventory and risk
assessment awarded.
PSA for trimming locations.
Website notifications.
Recognized Tree City USA 2025.
Heritage tree framework.
Public education and outreach.
Development and healthy tree standards.
2026
PRIORITIZATION
FRAMEWORK
QUESTIONS?
Arbor Day 2026 Tree planting is on March 7, 2026, at Beale Park. Celebrating Earth Day on April 25th at San Miguel Park in partnership with the Breakfast Rotary Club. We would like to invite the community, Mayor, and Council to join us.