Planning commission reviews updated urban forestry manual after analysis shows 0.5% canopy loss

The Planning Commission reviewed an updated urban forestry manual and voted to forward the document to City Council for consideration.

Valerie Velasquez Santoya, assistant director of public works, told the commission the city engaged consulting firm Dudek in July 2024 to assist with the manual update as part of a two-year strategic plan. She said the presentation was informational and that staff will ask council to consider adoption later this month.

Park and landscape contract supervisor Matt Baseluk presented the manual and the city's canopy-cover analysis. “Dudek was able to compare the canopy cover of the city from 2018 to 2022, and they saw a decrease of 0.5% of the canopy cover, which is equivalent to about 44 acres of canopy cover,” he said.

What the manual covers: Baseluk summarized differences between the tree ordinance and the urban forestry manual (the ordinance is regulatory; the manual is guidance for staff and residents). The manual updates recommended species lists to favor trees acclimated to Southern California and places some species on an undesirable list because of climate suitability, infrastructure damage or flammability concerns (staff cited eucalyptus, crepe myrtle and olive as examples). The manual also provides guidance on tree care, pruning and watering, and notes that public trees are managed by the city while private trees remain under homeowner control.

Programs and outreach: staff described a free street-tree program—residents can request street trees from the city—and recent volunteer plantings (more than 20 trees planted over two weeks at Gladstone, Finkbinder and Louis Pompeii parks). Commissioners encouraged staff to publicize volunteer opportunities and the free tree program more broadly.

Commission questions focused on causes of canopy loss (drought, pests, development and aging trees were all cited as contributors), whether developers must meet replacement requirements (staff said development projects must document tree removal and meet replacement standards, while private homeowners currently have fewer restrictions), and whether certain removed ficus will be replaced with like-for-like species (staff said seven ficus removed on Foothill will not be replaced with ficus at those locations).

Vote and next steps: Commissioner Davis moved and Commissioner Koss seconded a motion to receive the updated urban forestry manual and recommend it to City Council; the motion carried. Staff will transmit the manual and the commission's feedback to council for final consideration.