FOLEY – The City of Foley is taking steps to improve the health and appearance of its urban forest with the addition of a new bucket truck dedicated to tree maintenance.
The Foley City Council recently approved the purchase of a surplus bucket truck from Riviera Utilities. This specialized vehicle will be used by the Street Department to trim tree limbs along city streets and public rights of way, supporting the city’s growing focus on long-term tree care.
“We’re establishing a full-time tree trimming crew,” said Darrell Russell, director of Foley Public Works. “This truck, previously used by Riviera’s tree crew, is specifically designed for that purpose.”
Historically, tree trimming in Foley has primarily focused on maintaining minimum clearance for city vehicles, ensuring limbs are kept at least 13 feet, 6 inches above roadways. With this new equipment and crew, the city is expanding efforts to include healthier, more strategic canopy management.
“What we’re trying to do is save and improve the canopy,” Russell said. “For decades, we’ve focused on clearance for fire trucks and garbage trucks, but now we’re looking to trim higher into the canopy to promote better tree health and structure.”
Foley lost approximately 40% of its tree canopy during Hurricane Sally in 2020. In response, the city has launched a replanting initiative on public property and rights of way, while also encouraging residents to plant trees on private property.
With this new equipment and a dedicated team, Foley is investing in a greener, healthier future for its roadways and neighborhoods.