City Responds to Cupertino Residents' Complaints on Tree Tags

Tags appearing on trees in Cupertino have angered and annoyed some in neighborhoods where a city tree identification program started, but the reasons behind the program may not be understood or communicated as well as the City of Cupertino may have intended, officials say.

An article, Cupertino Tree Tags Called Ugly Provide Important Information, on Cupertino Patch reporting on the initial 5,000 badges placed on city trees is drawing more complaints from residents and a call to have the badges removed.

To help residents better understand the City’s program, Patch asked Timm Borden, director of public works, to respond to the comments posted on Patch and Cupertino Patch’s Facebook page.

“In review of the comments, there is not really a way to respond to the feeling on aesthetics, but the others are generally covered in the responses below:”

1.       Why badges and not only flyers?

Response: As each badge is affixed, an educational flyer is placed on the door of each home. The purpose of the flyer is to advise the resident of the badge, of the mutual responsibilities of the City and the resident regarding street tree care, and how to effectively utilize the QR code on the badge to view specific tree information and request service. Flyers alone may or may not be read, or in the case of a rental–not passed on to the owner. Additionally, owners and renters frequently change.

2.       Nails hurt the trees.

Response: Similar to a tree being pruned, something the size of a nail hammered into a tree does not damage the tree. This is a very common and accepted practice.

3.       City has not maintained the street tree in the past, why a badge now?

Response: The City maintains a maintenance history on all City trees. While it is possible that a tree may have been overlooked in the past, this is another benefit of having a badge on the tree. The visual reminder, along with the education of the City’s responsibility regarding tree care and the ease in which maintenance requests can be made is a benefit. Residents are utilizing the badges. There has been a 250 percent increase in service requests in the areas receiving badges. Additionally, 250 people have scanned the QR code. The City encourages residents to contact the City at 408-777-3410 with any maintenance request or go to www.cupertino.org/trees.

4.       Badges are being placed on non-City trees.

Response: If residents feel that a badge is being placed on a private tree, please call 408-777-3410 and the issue will be resolved.