City Tree and Parkway Maintenance
Street Trees Special Designated areas
The street tree policy established special designated areas in the City where street trees have created an ambiance and image for Torrance and should be protected and conserved (see list below). These areas are exempt from the permit process. Click here for .pdf map.
-
Beech Avenue - between Carson Street and El Dorado Street (Cinnamomum Camphora- Camphor tree)
-
Cabrillo Avenue - between Plaza Del Amo and Lincoln Avenue (Cinnamomum Camphora- Camphor tree)
-
Carson Street- between Maple Avenue and Crenshaw Blvd. (Eucalyptus Viminalis- Manna Gum)
-
Gramercy Avenue- South of Plaza Del Amo (Cinnamomum Camphora - Camphor tree)
-
Seaside Rancho Area- (Holiday Lights area) (Ulmus Parviflora - Chinese Evergreen Elm)
-
Torrance Blvd.- between Madrona Avenue and Madrid Avenue (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis - Red Gum)
-
Torrance Blvd - between Madrid Avenue and Portola Avenue (Grevillea Robusta- Silk Oak)
-
Ocean Avenue- between Carson Street and Sepulveda Blvd.(Platanus Racemosa - Sycamore)
Tree Trimming and Removal Permits
The City's tree policy allows property owners to have the City tree adjacent to their property trimmed or removed by a private contractor through the permit process. There is no charge for the City permit; however, property owners are responsible for contacting the tree contractor, and for all costs associated with the work. Tree maintenance procedures are designed to protect the health and aesthetic value of street trees. Maintenance practices detrimental to trees, such as topping and over pruning, are not condoned by the City, and residents should not expect a City-approved private tree service to perform these tasks.
Please be aware that work done under this permit must be performed by a licensed City-approved tree service. A list of approved contractors will be mailed to you when the permit is requested or click here for the list.
Also be aware that there are certain areas in Torrance where the trees are exempt from this permit process. Please refer to the section on Street Trees Special Designated Areas.
Applications for trim and removal permits may be obtained at the Public Works Department, the City Clerk's Office, or by calling the Streetscape Division at 1-310-781-6900. Mail or deliver the the application for Trim Permits to the Public Works Department. Applications for Removal Permits must be mailed or delivered to the City Treasure's Office along with a check for $250.00 per tree to be removed. Permits will be issued upon verification of property ownership.
The Removal Permit requires a deposit of $250.00 per tree, which is refunded to the property owner when the replacement tree(s) have been inspected and approved.
Reasons the City would consider tree removal
The City would consider removing City trees under certain circumstances:
- Rotting of interior or roots/disease/insect infestation
- Curb/sidewalk/street repairs (based on individual assessments by an inspector)
- Structural damage (must be determined that damage was caused by a City tree)
The City does not remove City trees for sewer damage, concrete damage, or views. Please refer to the City Sewer Lateral Policy or Tree Removal Permit Process or see the section "Tree Trimming and Removal Permits" above.
|
