Public Works Commission approves removal of dead pine and two on-site replacement trees

The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission on May 20 approved removal of a dead 15-inch pine tree in the public right-of-way in front of 520 25th Street and accepted the applicants offer to plant two replacement trees on site.

Staff assistant engineer Christian Alaron presented the request, saying the applicants submitted arborist report concluded the tree had lost all foliage and the trunk had begun to decay. "The arborist report has indicated that the tree is dead," Alaron said during the staff presentation.

The applicants representative, Stacy Strauss of Soror and Associates, told the commission the applicant agreed to staff conditions, including the 2:1 replacement ratio and installation of two purple plum trees from the citys approved list. "We are here to request removal of a dead tree and replace it with two live trees," Strauss said.

Commissioners moved to approve staffs recommendation; the roll-call vote was recorded in favor by Commissioner Dunabin, Vice Commissioner Hayes and Chair Gretton, and the motion passed. Commission discussion before the vote noted the arborist report as supporting evidence and staff clarified the municipal code requires removed trees greater than 12 inches be replaced at a minimum 2:1 ratio with species from the approved tree list (municipal code cited in the staff report).

City staff also explained that the director may authorize removal when a tree poses an imminent hazard without bringing the matter to the commission, but that non-urgent removals are typically heard to allow public input.

The commissions action approved removal of the dead pine and acceptance of two on-site replacement trees per staff conditions. The applicant and staff will proceed with permitting and replacement planting arrangements.