What this project is about
This project is examining what happens at previously documented street tree planting sites over time, especially where trees were recorded as being in poor condition or dead in a 2020 baseline inventory. The focus is on broad patterns of tree persistence, replacement, and site conversion.
In plain terms, I am trying to understand whether former tree sites remain tree sites, become planted with something else, or are converted to non-planting surfaces. The project also considers how these choices relate to long-term canopy potential and the City of San José’s urban forest goals.
What I may be doing in the field
- Looking at the current condition of a street tree planting site from the public right-of-way
- Checking whether the original tree is still present
- Noting whether the site now contains a new tree, another plant type, bare planting area, hardscape, or a stump
- Recording observations in a mobile GIS field form
What I am not doing
- I am not evaluating private yards beyond what can be observed from public space
- I am not issuing citations or acting in an enforcement role
- I am not publishing household-specific findings on this page