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Council adopts youth tree-donation program with $1,000 fee and no plaques
Summary
The council unanimously approved a plant-a-tree memorial program allowing donors to fund trees in designated parks (Hogan, Hopper, Rudolph) with a $1,000 fee covering planting and one-year maintenance; plaques and flowers will be restricted to prevent park-like cemeteries.
The Lawndale City Council unanimously adopted guidelines for a youth memorial tree-donation program that will allow residents to donate and dedicate trees in select city parks.
Staff recommended guidelines that focus donations on three parks (Hogan, Hopper and Rudolph), specify an approved species list, and limit the number of donated trees per park. The proposed donation fee — $1,000 — covers planting costs and a one-year maintenance period including irrigation and staking; after one year the city will notify donors if a replacement is available or removal is required.
Council members debated plaque and floral practices. The adopted program prohibits commemorative plaques within park planting locations and discourages on-site floral displays so parks are not converted into quasi-cemeteries. Councilmembers favored uniform tree selection so donated trees present a consistent look across parks.
Staff said tree life expectancy and maintenance issues were considered; trees typically survive for decades if properly installed and maintained, while potted plants or annual flowers have much shorter lifespans. The council approved the program and directed staff to bring the list of approved trees and updated guidelines back for inclusion on consent.
Next steps: staff will finalize the tree list, record the donation application process, and implement outreach and payment procedures.
