The City has commenced a project in the neighborhoods surrounding Seaside Elementary and Fern Elementary schools to enhance mobility and increase safety for all users. This initiative involves repairing 68,400 square feet of damaged or displaced sidewalks, upgrading 94 curb ramps, and replacing 3,800 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 March 2025. 

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 246 trees using alternative strategies.

How many trees are being removed and replaced?

96 trees are being removed, which represent 6% of the trees within the project limits in the neighborhoods bounded by Sepulveda Blvd., Reese Rd. / 231st St., Linda Dr. / Palos Verdes Blvd., and Anza Ave. and Maricopa St, Carson St., Hickory Ave., and Crenshaw Blvd. Approximately 20% of the tree removals are beings done at the request of the adjacent property owner.

103 replacement trees will be planted in early 2025 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 Natchez, Iron Bark, Magnolia Little Gem, Muskogee Crape Myrtle, Pink Trumpet, Tristania Laurina (Water Gum), or Water Gum Elegant.

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: Alex Chou, [email protected]
Engineering Manager: Stephanie Holst, [email protected]
(310) 781-6900