Recreation and Parks Commission approves removal of large camphor tree at 429 Richmond

The El Segundo Recreation and Parks Commission voted 4-0 to remove a mature camphor tree at 429 Richmond Avenue after staff said the tree has caused repeated sidewalk and patio damage and appears vulnerable after recent root trimming.

Staff member Christopher told the commission the camphor tree in front of Bridge South Bay Church has “done extensive damage” to the sidewalk, curb, the church’s brick patio and walls, and that Public Works cut roots when it removed the sidewalk in November. Christopher said camphor trees can be sensitive to root pruning and that “it could just be a matter of time” before the tree fails.

The action follows questions from Commissioner Julie Stolnick about whether the city is financially responsible for the church’s patio damage and whether a replacement tree would be planted. Christopher said the city typically leaves tree selection to the property owner and that the department’s removal recommendation followed the city’s tree-removal policy because the tree had caused “extensive damage” and would likely raise the sidewalk again.

Julie asked whether the city had denied a damage claim from the church; Christopher said the church’s claim had been rejected and that a staff member named Santos had been advised by legal counsel not to comment further. The commission discussed property boundaries and parkway responsibilities: a commenter noted the city’s right-of-way runs eight feet from the curb face, and staff clarified property owners are generally required to landscape and maintain parkways even though the city owns the land.

Before removal, Christopher said Public Works is coordinating with Edison to remove a leaning light pole that impedes access to the tree and that decaying roots could affect the pole’s stability. The commission approved the removal with a motion and second; the chair instructed staff to “take care of it.”

The decision is limited to approving removal; the commission did not adopt a separate policy on replacement species during the meeting. Staff indicated the usual practice is to plant a replacement selected by the property owner from the city’s approved plant list.

Clarifying details recorded in the meeting include that the tree’s base had been raised about three feet above the sidewalk, sidewalk repairs had been made multiple times, Public Works cut roots during a sidewalk removal in November, and the city’s parkway right-of-way is measured eight feet from the curb face. The commission’s vote was 4-0 in favor of removal.