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Salinas’ tree inventory paves the way for a greener city

Counting the greens to go green — that’s part of the idea behind the first tree count in Salinas. On Monday, NewsChannel 5 found out the tree inventory was also for some much needed maintenance.

Counting trees one by one — if you’ve seen the signs posted throughout Salinas and wondered what a tree inventory was, we’ve got your answer.

It took a year but Councilman Steve McShane said crews took note of every tree within Salinas city limits. City officials counted about 35,000 trees in the city but also noticed there weren’t many trees in the eastern part of town. On East Market Street there aren’t many trees.

“Now we know how many trees we’ve got and it takes knowing what you’ve got to be able to grow what you’ve got,” McShane said.

The tree inventory was funded by a CalFire and federal government grant. Salinas public works crews said one of the biggest reasons for the count is to have a better maintenance plan to fix damage a lot of the trees are doing to sidewalks.

NewsChannel 5 has reported before about the list of more than 2,000 people asking for help to fix dangerous sidewalks created by tree roots. But McShane said the count will also help add trees where they are needed.

“Trees save energy they are good for the air. And to be honest it’s a major sign of good quality of life,” McShane said.

McShane said right now the city is not actively buying trees because they don’t have the budget to do so. So it is up to businesses or homeowners to add more to what he calls an urban desert.

The city is also working on the “Salinas Urban Greening Plan” — a program in some specific neighborhoods that will enhance public places and improve open spaces.

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