TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
REQUEST FOR REMOVAL AND REVISION OF DESIGNATED STREET TREE LIST - FORBES AVENUE
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SUMMARY
The severity of recent wildfires has brought the issue of fire protection to the forefront and is of particular concern to those residents close to the foothills. The City of Claremont takes fire protection very seriously and works closely with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other agencies to ensure responsible management of our urban forest and open spaces. The City builds preventive measures into its maintenance and urban forest programs, including working with Southern California Edison to protect power lines from trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that may cause safety hazards and power outages.
Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees line both sides of Forbes Avenue, with those on the east side of the street posing recurring problems for Southern California Edison (SCE). State regulations require SCE to trim or remove trees that could cause a power outage, spark a fire, or pose a danger to the public. To meet these requirements, SCE crews frequently top the trees on the east side of Forbes Avenue.
SCE offers a program that covers the cost of removal and replacement of trees considered habitually hazardous and recommended this program to the City for the Red Ironbarks of the east side of Forbes Avenue. Under the program, SCE will pay to remove eighteen trees and replant them with 24”-box-size tree. The value of the removal and replanting of all eighteen trees is approximately $32,000. The program does not cover the cost of stump grinding; therefore, the cost to the City would be approximately $7,600.
While trees provide many benefits, they can also create obstacles and interfere with overhead utility lines. Both SCE and the City strive to plant “the right tree in the right place.” In this case, large stature trees are not appropriate for replanting. Staff recommends revising the Designated Street Tree List for Forbes Avenue to meet the “right tree, right place” goal.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission:
A. Approve the removal and replacement of eighteen Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees by Southern California Edison; and
B. Approve the revised Designated Street Tree List for Forbes Avenue.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Refer the matter back to staff for additional information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
If the City were to pay its urban forest maintenance contractor, West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) to remove the eighteen Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees, the cost would be approximately $24,100. The cost for WCA to replant eighteen 24”-box-size trees would be $7,560. The total value of the removal and replacement of all eighteen trees is approximately $31,700. Because the City would be responsible for stump grinding at a cost of approximately $7,600, the services offered by SCE would be at a net savings to the City of approximately $24,100.
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $3,344 and is included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Removal and Replacement
Wildfires spread by high winds have become a great concern for communities close to the foothills. The safety of the community and preservation of property, including the urban forest and open spaces, are of utmost importance to the City of Claremont. To that end, the City works closely with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Agricultural Commission/Weights & Measures, CAL FIRE, and other local agencies to ensure compliance with all fire protection requirements. Additionally, the City works closely with Southern California Edison to protect power lines from trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that may cause safety hazards and power outages.
State regulations require SCE to trim or remove trees that could cause a power outage, spark a fire, or pose a danger to the public. Because their responsibility is to protect public safety and the reliability of electric facilities, SCE only trims with the goal of providing a minimum of 12’ clearance from power lines, with no consideration of structure, balance, or aesthetics. Therefore, SCE trimming only occurs in areas of the tree that could encroach on power lines and often includes practices such as topping, windowing, or one-siding. The City encourages SCE to trim to City standards; however, maintaining the 12’ clearance is their priority.
Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees line both sides of Forbes Avenue. The east side of the street has overhead utility lines, while the west side does not. The trees on the east side of the street have posed recurring problems for SCE. Because SCE has topped the trees repeatedly over many years, the trees have lost their natural structure and developed shrub-like growth patterns, creating visibility and clearance issues and necessitating additional trimming to remediate these issues. As a result, these trees are no longer viable specimens. Photos of the trees after SCE line clearance are included as Attachment A.
There are eighteen Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees on the east side of Forbes Avenue. Staff recommends the removal and replacement of all eighteen trees in a cohesive removal and replacement plan. Per the City’s Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, any “tree [that] has been topped or otherwise heavily pruned resulting in poor structure” may be identified as hazardous. The eighteen eucalyptus trees along Forbes Avenue meet these criteria. Current photos of the trees are included as Attachment B.
SCE offers a removal and replacement program for trees that are in continual conflict with overhead utility lines, and approached City staff with a request to remove and replant the trees on Forbes Avenue under this program. The program provides for the removal and replanting of each tree. Generally, SCE replaces removed trees with 15-gallon-size trees; however, due to the favorable relationship between City staff and SCE, they are offering to plant larger, 24”-box-size trees instead. SCE does not cover the cost of stump grinding, so the City would be responsible for this expense.
If approved, staff will work with SCE and WCA to develop a plan to roll out this program. Once a plan is established, affected residents will receive written notification, including a timeline for removal and stump grinding, as well as replacement information. Replacement information will include the designated species for Forbes Avenue from which each property owner may choose, and staff will work with the owner on planting location. Staff will work closely with all parties to ensure a smooth implementation of the program and that the goals of all parties are met.
Revision to the Designated Street Tree List
Both the City of Claremont and Southern California Edison strive to plant “the right tree in the right place.” This practice encourages a thriving urban forest that is maintainable and reduces conflicts with utilities and hardscape. Spacing is one of the most important components to “right tree, right place” planting of new trees. Adequate spacing considerations include overhead, underground, and radial proximity to utilities. The City’s current Designated Street Tree List includes some large-stature trees that will ultimately conflict with overhead utility lines.
Current Designated Street Tree List for Forbes Avenue:
SCE provides a list of “utility-friendly” tree species recommendations. Staff recommends revising the current Designated Street Tree List to include some of the species recommended by SCE. The SCE tree selection fact sheet is included as Attachment C.
Recommended Revision to Designated Street Tree List for Forbes Avenue:
Staff recommends the removal and replacement by Southern California Edison of eighteen Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees on the east side of Forbes Avenue. Staff also recommends revising the Designated Street Tree List for Forbes Avenue to include species recommended by SCE.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
COMMITTEE REVIEW
On September 17, 2025, the Tree Committee recommended that the Community and Human Services Commission approve the removal and replacement of eighteen Red Ironbark eucalyptus trees by Southern California Edison and approve the revised Designated Street Tree List for Forbes Avenue. The Tree Committee also directed staff to work with Southern California Edison on the cost to the City for stump grinding. An excerpt from the draft September 17, 2025 Tree Committee Meeting minutes is included as Attachment D.
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 copy, please contact the Community Services Department.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Cari Dillman
Community Services Director Community Services Manager
Attachments:
A - Photos of Trees After SCE Line Clearance
B - Current Photos of Forbes Avenue Trees
C - SCE “Right Tree, Right Place” Fact Sheet
D - Excerpt from the Draft 09-17-25 Tree Committee Meeting Minutes