The City has commenced a sidewalk project in North Torrance to enhance mobility and increase pedestrian safety for all users. This initiative involves repairing 19,000 square feet of damaged or displaced sidewalks, upgrading 46 curb ramps, and replacing 700 feet of curb and gutter. Although the City makes every effort to preserve existing trees, some sidewalk repairs require the removal and replacement of existing trees if alternative repair methods are not feasible. The project is anticipated to be complete in June 2023. 

JUST THE FACTS

Why do trees need to be removed?

In order to properly repair the sidewalks, the tree roots causing the displacement or damaged must be addressed.  Otherwise the problem will reoccur in a couple years and will damage the newly repaired sidewalk.  In some cases this requires a tree to be removed if root pruning isn’t an option. The inspection of each tree is performed by the City Arborist.
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Other trees in declining health must be removed for safety purposes. 

What alternative methods has the City considered that won't require tree removals?

Trees are removed as a last resort if alternative construction methods cannot be utilized.  Alternative construction methods include root pruning, sidewalk grinding, sidewalk ramping, and shifting the sidewalk. The City avoided the removal of 49 trees using alternative strategies.

How many trees are being removed and replaced?

60 trees are being removed, which represent 16% of the trees within the project limits in the neighborhoods  by Van Ness Ave., Artesia Blvd., Western Ave., and 182nd St. A third of the tree removals are being done at the request of the homeowner.
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85 replacement trees will be planted in June once the sidewalk repairs are completed. The Replacement trees will have less invasive root systems. Depending on the street, replacement tree species will be either Australian Willow, Crape Myrtle Muskogee, Water Gum Tistania Laurina, Chinese Pistache Keith Davey, Crape Myrtle Natchez, or Crape Myrtle Tuscarora.

How does this affect the City's Tree City USA status?

These removals will not have any effect on the City's Tree City USA status.

For further questions please contact:
Project Engineer: Wilson Mendoza, [email protected]
Engineering Manager: Shin Furukawa, [email protected]
(310) 781-6900