TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSSION
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: MAY 7, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
REQUEST FOR TREE REMOVAL - 2475 MICHIGAN DRIVE
Body
SUMMARY
The property owner of 2475 Michigan Drive is requesting the removal of two City-owned Canary Island pine trees located within the right-of-way in front of the property. The resident cites safety concerns, fire concerns, and destruction of property. The resident’s request is included as Attachment A.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission deny the request for the removal of two Canary Island pine trees at 2475 Michigan Drive.
Body
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Approve the request for the removal of two trees at 2475 Michigan Drive and the replanting of four trees, as required by the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, at the property owner’s expense, for an estimated total cost of $4,620.
B. Refer the matter back to staff for additional information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The removal cost of a tree is determined by its diameter at breast height (DBH). The cost to remove the tree in question is $49 per DBH. Both trees measure approximately thirty inches DBH, for an approximate combined removal cost of $2,940. If approved for removal, two replacement trees will be planted for each removal, as required by the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual. The cost to plant four 24”-box-sized trees is $1,680. The total estimated cost of removal and replacement is $4,620.
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $2,420 and is included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The property owner at 2475 Michigan Drive is requesting the removal of two Canary Island pine trees adjacent to his property. The pine trees are located in the parkway on either side of the driveway, within the City right-of-way. The owner is requesting that the trees be removed due to safety and fire concerns and the destruction of property, both potential and existing. The property owner would like the trees replaced with trees appropriate for the location. Photos of the trees in question are included as Attachment B.
The property owner claims past damage to multiple sprinklers and irrigation lines, the driveway, and the sidewalk due to tree roots. He also claims damage to windshields due to pinecones falling from the trees. Additionally, sap and other debris from the trees accumulates on the vehicles, causing damage to the vehicles parked in the driveway. The property owner is concerned that the tree roots could potentially cause damage to the house’s water main line due to its proximity to the base of the tree. In 2011, the property owner filed a claim for damage to the driveway and sidewalk. The City settled the claim, paying $2,132.52 to the property owner. In 2021, the property owner filed a claim for damage to the front lawn and sprinklers. The City settled the claim, paying $450.00 to the property owner.
The property owner is also concerned with potential safety and fire issues. During previous wind events, the property owner witnessed fallen trees causing damage to roofs and vehicles. Additionally, the property owner is concerned with the potential for pine debris to ignite, increasing fire risk. The property owner states, “The winds have also shown that with drought conditions and fires and their potential, that these trees are very concerning for catching embers and igniting a fire in the neighborhood. There are tons of dry pine needles and dry pinecones that each one of these trees possess that are fuel for fire.”
The Canary Island pine trees along Michigan Drive and surrounding neighborhoods were likely planted as part of the housing development, and the City has no record of their planting. Due to the size, structure, and other considerations of the species, the City no longer plants Canary Island pine trees as street trees. These considerations include characteristics such as branch strength, root damage potential, possible allergens, and disease/pest susceptibility. According to the Street Trees Recommended for Southern California guide, Canary Island pines are only recommended for planting in spaces greater than seven feet. The Canary Island pine is no longer a tree that the City actively plants due to the space requirements and other considerations. The Canary Island pine remains on the Designated Street Tree List for only two streets within the City, as a means of preserving neighborhood character. According to the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, staff cannot remove healthy trees due to size, structure, or other considerations of the species.
In response to the January 7, 2025 wind event, the City Arborist and a second staff arborist evaluated the trees on Michigan Drive, and both noted that the trees are healthy and within City standards. In accordance with the appeal process, the City Arborist conducted a Level I inspection on the two Canary Island pine trees at 2475 Michigan Drive and noted the following:
Tree F1 has a diameter at breast height (DBH) of approximately 30” and a height of 50-60’. The tree is in good health with no observable structural defects and with species-appropriate form. The tree was pruned in January 2020 and May 2024. The approximate value of the tree is $14,740.
Tree F2 has a diameter at breast height (DBH) of approximately 30” and a height of 50-60’. The tree is in good health with no observable structural defects and with species-appropriate form. The tree was pruned in January 2020 and May 2024. The approximate value of the tree is $14,740.
Per the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, identifying a tree as potentially hazardous shall be based on, but not limited to, the severity of the following conditions:
• Large dead branches in the tree
• Cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches
• Mushrooms or conks present at the base of the tree
• Fractures or splits in the trunk
• Fractures or splits at the crotch or branch attachment
• Strong, uncorrected lean at the trunk with lifting soil
• Multiple branches with poor attachments arise from one point on the trunk
• Damaged, broken, or injured roots
• Tree has been topped or otherwise heavily pruned, resulting in poor structure
Based on the above-mentioned conditions, the trees would not be considered hazardous. The concern regarding pine needle and cone drop is a seasonal issue, most prevalent during the summer months. Furthermore, the Canary Island pine is one of the most fire-resistant conifers in the world. For these reasons, staff recommends denying the request for removal. However, Claremont Municipal Code Section 12.26.020 authorizes the Community and Human Services Commission to grant approval of such requests, if it finds that not removing the tree would result in a burden on the property owner that substantially outweighs the benefit to the public of maintaining the tree. If the request for removal is granted, the City Arborist will work with the resident to select the best viable planting sites and species for replanting.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
COMMITTEE REVIEW
On April 30, 2025, the Tree Committee recommended that the Community and Human Services Commission deny the request for the removal of two Canary Island pine trees at 2475 Michigan Drive. An excerpt from the draft April 30, 2025 Tree Committee Special Meeting minutes is included as Attachment C.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a paper copy, please contact the Community Services Department.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Cari Dillman
Community Services Director Community Services Manager
Attachments:
A - Request from Property Owner - 2475 Michigan Drive
B - Photos of Canary Island Pine Trees - 2475 Michigan Drive
C - Excerpt from the Draft 4-30-25 Tree Committee Special Meeting minutes