Butte County Recovers-The official website for Butte County disaster response and recovery

I have trees with spray paint markings on them. What do they mean?

Markings on trees in the burn area identify the level of threat the tree poses to utilities. The specific markings are explained below:

  • P1 – Tree poses extreme and immediate danger to utilities. Most P1 trees have already been removed or will be removed as soon as possible.
  • P2 – Tree poses danger to utilities and will be removed within 12 months.
  • NC – Tree poses low immediate threat to utilities. These trees are within the modern utility setback (16 feet each way from lines/poles or a 32 foot corridor). Trees will be removed as utility repair is finalized over the next few years.
  • X with an “F” above it – Tree marked by the Town of Paradise as a tree that will be removed in the future.

The County is working with arborists to assess dead or dying trees along public roadways in the unincorporated areas. The specific markings are explained below:

  • Two orange, parallel lines and an orange dot at the base of the tree – Tree has been identified as dead or dying. These trees will be slated for removal within the year.
  • Tree with a small check mark – Tree has been identified as damaged but may survive. The health of the tree will be reassessed in one year.

EPA arborists are assessing some trees in the burn area to identify the threat the trees pose to Phase I workers who are removing hazardous wastes from destroyed and damaged properties. The specific markings are explained below:

  • White “X” – Tree or tree limbs will be assessed during Phase II Debris Removal to determine if they are hazardous to work crews. If deemed hazardous, they will be removed. After the Phase II assessment, any remaining trees with a white “X” were determined to pose no hazard to work crews and do not require removal.
  • White “=” – Tree or tree limbs pose a risk to workers and should be treated with caution. Workers should not park under trees with this mark.
  • White “T” on the ground at the entrance to a property – Trees or tree limbs were assessed only for risk to Phase 1 workers and found to not pose a risk to workers.
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