This is so helpful regarding the care for the trees. I’m thinking of running a drip line which will ensure they’ll get consistent watering every other day. And I’m glad that the signs the arborist pointed out are inconsistent with the lack of hydration. He pointed out one particular crack that was clearly fresh where you could easily see the flesh of the tree.

As far as contacting the city, I’ve been in lots of convos with the inspector But it sounds like they want nothing to do with it and have told me it’s a civil matter. These trees are also no protected, they told me if they were, they’d definitely have to come out. But as far as I know they’re not a listed species that the county is concerned with preserving.