This week, SF Public Works started planting palm trees for the Irving Streetscape Improvement Project. 

The issue of planting new trees on Irving Street was a controversial one, dividing merchants against residents of the area. Merchants, who are tasked with tree maintenance, favored the windmill palms seen in this photo. Residents, on the other hand, favored tristania trees. 

A compromise was ultimately reached by the Board of Appeals; the streetscape will now have 48 windmill palms and 20 tristania trees. 

Merchants along the corridor may not have to invest their own time and funds towards tree maintenance after all. Up on the ballot this year is Proposition E, which would restore responsibility for tree maintenance back to the city.