Carson City Council
September 15, 2026

AGREEMENT No. ___________
BI 9803 Unit 1 Line B
SUPERVISORY DISTRICT 2

USE AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
This USE AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as AGREEMENT), is made and entered by and between the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, a body corporate and politic (hereinafter referred to as DISTRICT), and the City of Carson, a municipal corporation, (hereinafter referred to as OWNER).

DISTRICT and OWNER are collectively referred to as PARTIES.

RECITALS
WHEREAS, OWNER proposes to construct the Calas Park Stormwater Capture Project (hereinafter referred to as PROJECT); to treat and recharge incoming stormwater and urban runoff to enhance water quality and provide public recreational amenities; WHEREAS, DISTRICT owns and operates a storm drain known as Bond Issue (BI) 9803 Unit 1 Line B, and associated right of way, hereinafter collectively referred to as DISTRICT FACILITIES, which is located in a public street known as Bonita Street; WHEREAS, the following portions of the PROJECT (hereinafter referred to as IMPROVEMENTS), depicted in Exhibit A, are proposed to be located within DISTRICT FACILITIES:
x Diversion Manhole Structure, Station 43+79.50
WHEREAS, the DISTRICT will issue p ermit number FCDP2025000247, (hereinafter referred to as PERMIT), upon execution of this AGREEMENT to the OWNER for construction of the IMPROVEMENTS;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual agreements contained herein, and for other g ood and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the PARTIES agree as follows:

SECTION 1: Authorized Use

1.1. The OWNER is authorized and permitted to use the DISTRICT FACILITIES for the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the IMPROVEMENTS in accordance with the terms and conditions of this

AGREEMENT and the PERMIT. Any other use of the DISTRICT FACILITIES or any portion thereof by the OWNER is expressly prohibited.

1.2. The OWNER's use of the DISTRICT FACILITIES in connection with the PROJECT shall be nonexclusive and sh all be subordinate to the uses of the DISTRICT FACILITIES by the DISTRICT, and the OWNER's use of the VXVH
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The OWNER shall be responsible for obtaining authorization from other a f f e c t e dp e r s o n so ra g e n c i e sw i t hp r o p e r t yr i g h t so v e rt h eP R O J E C Ta r e a , and the consent of the underlying fee owner(s), as necessary.

SECTION 2: Construction and Implementation of PROJECT

2.1. The OWNER understands and acknowledges that it is required to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (hereinafter referred to as CEQA) prior to implementing the PROJECT and that the OWNER shall be the lead agency with respect to any and all CEQA compliance related to the PROJECT. In addition to its other indemn ification obligations as specified below, the OWNER hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the DISTRICT and their elected and appointed officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims and/or actions related to the PROJECT that may be asserted by a third party or public agency alleging violations of CEQA or the CEQA Guidelines.

2.2 The OWNER is responsible for obtaining and complying with any permits or approvals required by agencies (federal, state and local) with regulatory jurisdiction over the construction and maintenance of the PROJECT and for all costs associated with obtaining and complying with the requirements and conditions of such permits or approvals including, by way of example, permit fees and compensatory mitigation expenses. The DISTRICT shall not be responsible for any costs associated with the construction of the PROJECT.

In addition to its other indemnificatio no b l i g a t i o n si nS e c t i o n7b e l o w ,t h e OWNER hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the DISTRICT and their elected and appointed officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims and/or actions related to the PROJECT that may be asserted by a public agency or third-party alleging violations of federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations.

2.3. Upon completion of the construction of the PROJECT, the OWNER shall provide to the DISTRICT a complete set of the as-built plans for the

PROJECT in an electronic format as spe cified by the DISTRICT. In addition, the OWNER shall provide geographic information system (hereinafter referred to as GIS) shapefiles for all maps depicting the PROJECT.

SECTION 3: Operation and Maintenance of IMPROVEMENTS

3.1. The OWNER shall prepare an operation and maintenance manual (hereinafter referred to as O&M MANUAL) describing the operation, maintenance, and inspection practices, all permits required by federal, state or local regulatory agencies, and procedures and standards for the PROJECT components located on prop erty of the DISTRICT, including maintenance schedules, identification of any specialty maintenance service providers, equipment usage, and a maintenance log sheet.

3.1.1. The OWNER shall not commence any work authorized by this permit until it has submitted a draft of the O&M MANUAL to the DISTRICT and the DISTRICT has approved the draft.

3.1.2. The DISTRICT shall provide the OWNER with comments on the draft O&M MANUAL within a reasonable timeframe of submittal.

3.1.3. The OWNER shall incorporate any and all reasonable comments submitted by the DISTRICT and shall deliver a final version of the O&M MANUAL to the DISTRICT prior to completion of work
authorized by this permit. If the PARTIES cannot agree as to V FRPPHQWV VKDOO EH LQFRUSRUDWHG WKH
PARTIES shall meet and confer in good faith to resolve such disagreement.

3.1.4. The work authorized by this permit shall not be deemed complete until the OWNER has delivered the final version of the O&M M A N U A Lt ot h eD I S T R I C Ta sd e s c r i b e da b o v e .

3.2. Discharges from the PROJECT shall comply with the following:

3.2.1 The OWNER shall not discharge any non-stormwater from the PROJECT to the DISTRICT FACILITIES or to any other storm drain owned or operated by the DISTRICT unless authorized by a permit to do so from the State Water Resources Control Board, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board), or express written permission from the Executive Officer of the Regional Board. The OWNER shall provide a copy of any such permit or express written permission to the DISTRICT prior to discharging any

non-stormwater from the PROJECT to the DISTRICT FACILITIES or to any other storm drains owned or operated by the DISTRICT.

3.2.2 The DISTRICT shall establish notification and monitoring requirements for discharges from the PROJECT to the DISTRICT F A C I L I T I E So rt oa n yo t h e rs t o r md r a i n so w n e do ro p e r a t e db yt h e DISTRICT and shall notify OWNER o f these requirements in writing not later than the date DISTRICT provides the OWNER with comments on the draft O&M MANUAL and the OWNER shall comply with the requirements described in the written notice from the DISTRICT.

3.2.3. The DISTRICT may periodically update or revise the notification and monitoring requirements described in subsection 3.2.2 as the DISTRICT deems necessary to address changes in its MS4 Permit or other regulatory requirements or its operational requirements.

The DISTRICT shall provide written notice to the OWNER of any updated or revised requirements and the OWNER shall comply with the updated or revised requirements immediately upon receipt of the written notice from the DISTRICT.

3.3. The OWNER shall, upon completion of construction, be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the IMPROVEMENTS in accordance with the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT and the provisions of the O&M MANUAL.

3.4. The DISTRICT shall not be responsible for any costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the IMPROVEMENTS, including but not limited to, any costs related to repairs and/or replacement of components and obtaining, complying with and renewing as necessary all permits and approvals required by federal, state or local regulatory agencies.

3.5. The OWNER shall operate and maintain the IMPROVEMENTS in a safe, clean, and orderly condition, and in compliance with the O&M MANUAL and all applicable federal and state laws, r ules and regulations, local ordinances (including the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Code) and applicable regulatory permits.

3.6. The OWNER shall inspect the IMPROVEMENTS and clear any obstructions, sediment, or debris that may interfere with the proper functioning of the DISTRICT FACILITIES, including upstream and downstream of all connections to the DISTRICT FACILITIES. The limits of the OWNER's responsibility under this subsection shall be up to 100 feet for open channels and up to 50 feet for covered storm drains, from ends of

connections in both directions a s directed by the DISTRICT, at the DISTRICT’s sole discretion. The OWNE R shall take appropriate measures to make sure sediment does not enter the DISTRICT FACILITIES from the PROJECT.

3.6.1 OWNER shall be responsible for responding to reports of encampments of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) within the IMPROVEMENTS. Consistent with applicable law, the OWNER shall enforce legal provisions a ssociated with using, placing, or storing personal property in public areas, including but not limited to any encampments, at OWNER’s cost. OWNER shall indemnify the DISTRICT against any claims arising from PEH encamped within the IMPROVEMENTS.

3.6.2 PEH encampments on the IMPROVEMENTS shall be reported to City of Carson Code Enforcement at (310) 962-1786 for timely resolution in accordan ce with OWNER protocol.

3.6.3 DISTRICT reserves the right t or e s o l v eP E He n c a m p m e n t sw i t h i n the IMPROVEMENTS in accordance with County protocol if any encampment is blocking or impeding the DISTRICT’S maintenance access.

3.6.4 OWNER shall be responsible fo r addressing and responding to graffiti abatement reports within the IMPROVEMENTS.

3.7. The OWNER shall provide the DISTR ICT with 24-hour contact information for person(s) responsible for the ope ration and maintenance activities related to the IMPROVEMENTS and shall be reachable at City of Carson Public Works Department at 310-952-1700 or [email protected]. The DISTRICT shall provide the OWNER with 24-hour contact information for person(s) responsible for maintai ning the DISTRICT FACILITIES.

3.8. The OWNER shall coordinate and communicate with the DISTRICT in regard to operation, maintenance, and repair activities related to the IMPROVEMENTS.

3.8.1. The OWNER shall notify the DISTRICT a minimum of thirty (30) days in advance of any non-routine proposed maintenance activities related to the IMPR OVEMENTS; provided, however, that in the event the OWNER becomes aware of the need to perform any such maintenance activities less than thirty (30) days f r o mt h ed a t ei tp r o p o s e st op e r f o r ms a i da c t i v i t i e s ,i ts h a l ln o t i f y

the DISTRICT immediately upon determining to perform the activities.

3.8.2. The OWNER shall notify the DISTRICT a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours in advance of accessing the DISTRICT FACILITIES to perform any routine maintenance activities related to the IMPROVEMENTS including trash removal, routine cleaning, and minor repairs.

3.8.3. The OWNER shall provide the DISTRICT with an annual summary report of its operations and maintenance of the IMPROVEMENTS and status of all related regulatory permits.

The contents of the summary report shall include at a minimum the following information:
a. Name of PROJECT;
b. Location description;
c. Project contact information;
d. Description of the PROJECT and its function and direct impact to the DISTRICT FACILITIES and/or other
DISTRICT right of way;
e. Summary of operations within the reporting year, from July 1st to June 30th of the following year, type of activities (i.e. routine, non-routine, a nd emergency), date and time of activities, and description of work performed;
f. Summary of major repairs completed, including but not limited to, type of repairs, location of repairs, pre- and post-repair photographs, date and time of repairs;
g. Summary of public inquiries and complaints related to the PROJECT and the OWNER'S response;
h. Summary of volume captured or discharged from
PROJECT;
i. Status of any regulatory permits affecting the operation or maintenance of the IMPROVEMENTS;
j. Status of any specialty contractor agreements required for ongoing maintenance and repairs of the
IMPROVEMENTS;

3.8.4. The annual summary report shall be mailed to the following address by July 30 th each year:

Attention: Senior Civil Engineer
Los Angeles County Flood Control District
Los Angeles County Public Works

Stormwater Maintenance Division, Annex Building 2nd Floor Staff Support Section
900 South Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803-1331

3.9. The DISTRICT shall coordinate and communicate with the OWNER regarding any maintenance activities by the DISTRICT related to the DISTRICT FACILITIES that may impact the IMPROVEMENTS.

3.10. If the OWNER fails to perform any ma intenance activities as provided for in this AGREEMENT in a timely manner, the DISTRICT reserves the right to remedy any such maintenance deficiency that the DISTRICT determines V
flood protection activities. However, prior to taking any action to remedy any such maintenance deficiency, the DISTRICT shall provide written notice to the OWNER of the deficiency. If the OWNER fails to correct the deficiency within thirty-five (35) days from the date of the notice or such longer period as the DISTRICT, in it s sole discretion may agree to, the DISTRICT shall thereafter be ent itled to correct the deficiency.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if th e DISTRICT determines that immediate remedial action is required to prevent or mitigate a dangerous condition, the DISTRICT shall be entitled to implement the remedial action(s) after giving the OWNER as much notice as the DISTRICT determines is feasible under the circumstances. If the DISTRICT takes any remedial action pursuant to this Section, it shall prepare and send to the OWNER an invoice for all work undertaken by the DISTRICT to remedy any maintenance deficiency, and the OWNER shall, within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the invoice, reimburse the DISTRICT for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the DISTRICT to remedy said deficiency.

3.11. The OWNER shall be responsible for all community relations related to the PROJECT, including responding to publ ic inquiries, complaints, etc. The DISTRICT shall forward to the OWNER any community relations, public inquiries, complaints, etc., related to the PROJECT.

SECTION 4: Term

4.1. The term of this AGREEMENT shall be for fifty (50) years (Initial Term), subject to the DISTRICT's right to terminate the OWNER'S use as provided for in Section 5 in this AGREEMENT.

4.2. This AGREEMENT shall expire at the end of the Initial Term provided; however, the Chief Engineer of the DISTRICT or his designee may extend

the term of this AGREEMENT, beyond the Initial Term, up to ten (10) years, subject to such terms and conditions as they deem appropriate, upon receipt of a written request from the OWNER, no earlier than twelve (12) months or later than six (6) months prior to the end of the Initial Term.

SECTION 5: Termination of AGREEMENT

5.1. The DISTRICT shall have the right to terminate this AGREEMENT by giving the OWNER at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior written notice, under the following conditions:

5.1.1. The DISTRICT proposes a project for flood control, water conservation and/or any other us e or purpose authorized by the Los Angeles County Flood Control Act; and

5.1.2. The DISTRICT determines, in good faith, that the IMPROVEMENTS or any portion thereof, would be substantially incompatible with the DISTRICTVSURSRVHGSURMHFW
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5.1.3. The DISTRICT has notified the OWNER of the basis for the 6GHWHUPLQDWLRQWKDWDVXEVWDQWLDOLQFRPSDWLELOLW\ZLOOH[LVW and has provided the OWNER with a reasonable opportunity to propose modifications to the IMPROVEMENTS that will eliminate the incompatibility; and

5.1.4. After consideration of any such modifications proposed by the OWNER, the DISTRICT, in its sole but reasonable discretion, determines not to incorporate any such modifications or determines that, notwithstanding any such modifications, a substantially incompatibility would still exist.

5.2. The DISTRICT shall have the right to terminate this AGREEMENT in the event the OWNER breaches any term or condition of this AGREEMENT and fails to cure such breach or brea ches within a reasonable amount of time up to a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) days from the date the DISTRICT provides written notice of said breach or breaches to the OWNER. Upon receipt of a written notice of breach, the OWNER shall, within thirty (30) days of the date of the written notice, send the DISTRICT a written response describing the corrective measures that the OWNER proposes to implement. The PARTIES shall thereafter promptly meet and confer, in good faith, to reach agreement on the corrective measures. The OWNER shall not implement any cor rective measure until it has been approved and agreed upon by the DISTRICT.

5.3. The DISTRICT shall have the right to terminate this AGREEMENT if construction of the PROJECT has not been completed within five (5) years from the date this AGREEMENT is fully executed.

5.4. The DISTRICT shall have the right to suspend or terminate this VVROHGLVFUHWLRQLQWKHHYHQWWKH',675,&7
determines, in good faith, that it is necessary for the DISTRICT to enter and take exclusive possession of the D ISTRICT FACILITIES or any portion thereof, in order to respond to an emergency as defined in Public Contract Code Section 1102.

5.5. The OWNER shall have the right to terminate this AGREEMENT for any reason, by giving the DISTRICT at least sixty (60) days prior written notice, subject to the OWNER's obligation to remove the IMPROVEMENTS described in Section 6, below.

SECTION 6: Removal of IMPROVEMENTS and Restoration of the DISTRICT

FACILITIES

6.1. Upon termination of this AGREEMENT, the DISTRICT may, in its sole discretion, provide a written notice to the OWNER to remove all or any portion of the IMPROVEMENTS, and to restore the DISTRICT FACILITIES to a condition similar to or better than that which existed on the effective date of this AGREEMENT (including sealing off all connections between PROJECT and DISTRICT FACILITIES). If the DISTRICT provides such notice, the OWNER shall comply with said notice within a reasonable time, but in no event exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of t h en o t i c eo rs u c hl o n g e rp e r i o da st h eD I S T R I C Tm a yi ni t ss o l ed i s c r e t i o n agree to.

6.2. Prior to commencing the removal of any IMPROVEMENTS within the DISTRICT FACILITIES, the OWNER shall apply for and obtain a permit for the removal activities from the County of Los Angeles Public Works, Land Development Division, Permits and Su bdivisions Section, and shall also apply for and obtain any and all other necessary local, state, and federal permits applicable to the removal of the IMPROVEMENTS.

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6.4. If the DISTRICT removes any IMPROVEMENTS pursuant to subsection

6.3, the DISTRICT shall submit a billing invoice to the OWNER indicating the costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the DISTRICT in connection

with the removal of the IMPROVEMENTS and the OWNER shall reimburse the DISTRICT all such costs and expe nses within thirty (30) days of the VUHFHLSWRIDELOOLQJLQYRLFHIURPWKH',675,&7
SECTION 7: Miscellaneous Provisions

7.1. Damage to DISTRICT FACILITIES or PROJECT

7.1.1. If any components of the PROJECT are damaged by any negligent act or omission of the DISTRICT, the DISTRICT shall repair and replace those components within a reasonable time frame after discovery or notice thereof. The DISTRICT shall be responsible for all costs related to these repairs and/or replacements.

7.1.2. If any components of the DISTRICT FACILITIES are damaged by any negligent act or omission of the OWNER (including its consultants and contractors), the OWNER shall repair and replace those components within a reasonable time frame after discovery or notice thereof. The OWNER shall be responsible for all costs related to these repairs and/or replacements.

7.2. The DISTRICT shall not be responsible for the expense of any relocation, alteration, or modification of the PROJECT, or any portion thereof.

7.3. Indemnification, Release, and Insurance.

7.3.1. The OWNER shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the DISTRICT, the County of Los Angeles, and their respective officers and employees from and against any claims, demands, liability, damages, costs and expenses, including without limitation, reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation, arising out of or in any way connected to the construction, operation, maintenance, repair, modification, or removal of the PROJECT, or any portion thereof, or the breach of any representation or warranty made by OWNER, except to the extent cause d by the negligence or willful misconduct of the DISTRICT, the County of Los Angeles, or their respective officers, employees or contractors. The Parties further agree that the OWNER’s obligations under this section shall be limited to the OWNER’s proportionate share of liability based on its comparative fault.

7.3.2. The DISTRICT shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the OWNER and its respective officers and employees from and against any claims, demands, liability, damages, costs and expenses, including without limitation, reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation, arising out of or in any way connected to operation and maintenance of the DISTRICT FACILITIES exclusive of the IMPROVEMENTS, or any portion thereof, except to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the OWNER or its respective officers, employees or contractors. The Parties further agree that the Districts’ obligations under this section shall be limited to the Districts’ proportionate share of liability based on its comparative fault.

7.3.3. The OWNER releases the DISTRICT and waives all rights to damages for any loss, costs, or expenses the OWNER may sustain as a result of any damage to, or des truction of, the PROJECT, or any portion thereof, attributable to flood or stormwaters, or any other runoff tributary to the DISTRICT FACILITIES, except to the extent such damages are caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the DISTRICT or its officers, employees or contractors.

7.3.4. OWNER and DISTRICT are self-insured. Each party will accept a Certificate of Self-Insurance from the other in lieu of commercial insurance, provided it meets or e xceeds the coverage limits and insurance requirements outlined in Sections 7.3.4.1 through

7.3.4.5. 7.3.4.1. Commercial general liability and property damage coverage with a combined single limit liability in the amount of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence.

7.3.4.2. Worker's Compensation coverage in such amount as will fully comply with the laws of the State of California and which shall indemnify, insure, and provide legal defense for both the DISTRICT and the OWNER against any loss, claim, or
damage arising from any injuries or occupational diseases occurring to any worker employed by, or any person
retained by, the OWNER and DISTRICT in the course of

carrying out the work or services contemplated in this
AGREEMENT.

7.3.4.3. Automobile Liability Insurance: the OWNER shall procure such policy with coverage of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per accident.

7.3.4.4. Pollution Liability Insurance: Such insurance shall cover liability for personal injury and property damage arising from the release, discharge, esca pe, dispersal, or emission of pollutants, whether gradual or sudden, and include
coverage for the costs and expenses associated with
voluntary clean-up, testing, monitoring, and treatment of asbestos in compliance with governmental mandate or
requests. If the asbestos or pollutant will be removed from the construction site, asbestos or pollution liability is also required under the contractor’s Automobile Liability
Insurance. Contractor shall maintain limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

7.3.4.5. OWNER and DISTRICT shall provide evidence of a Certificate of Self-Insurance no later than ten (10) working days after execution of the AGREEMENT. Upon renewal of
said policy, OWNER and DISTRICT shall furnish a
Certificate evidencing continued insurance coverage as
required herein.

7.4. Relationship of Parties. The Parties are and shall remain at all times as to each other wholly independent entities. No Party to this AGREEMENT shall have power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of another Party unless expressly provided to the contrary by this AGREEMENT. No employee, agent, or officer of a Party shall be deemed for any purpose whatsoever to be an agent, employee or officer of another Party.

7.5. Binding Effect. This AGREEMENT shall be binding upon, and shall be to the benefit of the respective successors, heirs, and assigns of each Party; provided, however, no Party may assign its respective rights or obligations under this AGREEMENT without prior written consent of the other Party.

7.6. Amendment. The terms and provisions of this AGREEMENT may not be amended, modified or waived, except by an instrument in writing signed by all the Parties.

7.7. Waiver. Waiver by any Party to this AGREEMENT of any term, condition, or covenant of this AGREEMENT shall not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition, or covenant. Waiver by any Party to any breach of the provisions of this AGREEMENT shall not constitute a waiver of any other provision, nor a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of any provision of this AGREEMENT.

7.8. Governing Law. This AGREEMENT is made under and will be governed by the laws of the State of California. In t he event of litigation between the Parties, venue in the state trial court shall lie exclusively in the County of Los Angeles.

7.9. No Presumption in Drafting. All Parties have been represented by legal counsel in the preparation and negotiation of this AGREEMENT.

Accordingly, this AGREEMENT shall be construed according to its fair language.

7.10. Severability. The provisions of this AGREEMENT are severable, and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any provision of this AGREEMENT will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions. If any provision of this AGREEMENT is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the Parties shall endeavor to modify that clause in a manner which gives effect to the intent of the Parties in entering into this AGREEMENT.

7.11. Counterparts. This AGREEMENT may be executed in counterparts, which together shall constitute the same and entire Agreement.

7.12. Administration. Each of the persons signing below on behalf of a Party represents and warrants that they are authorized to sign this AGREEMENT on behalf of such Party.

7.13. Notices
Any correspondence, communicat ion, or contact concerning this AGREEMENT, and all notices that are to be given or that may be given by PARTIES shall be directed to the following:

Los Angeles County Flood Control District
Los Angeles County Public Works
Stormwater Planning Division, 11th Floor
900 South Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803-1331
Attention: Assistant Deputy Director

Phone No.: (626) 458-4300
Fax: (626) 458-1526
Los Angeles County Flood Control District
Los Angeles County Public Works
Stormwater Maintenance Division, Annex Building 2nd Floor 900 South Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803-1331
Attention: Assistant Deputy Director
Phone No.: (626) 458-4145
Fax No.: (626) 458-4165
City of Carson
Public Works Department
18620 S Broadway
Gardena, CA 90248
Attention: Public Works Director
Phone No.: (310) 847-3520
The PARTIES shall promptly notify each other of any change of the contact information specified in this Sect ion, including personnel changes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DISTRICT and OWNER have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by their respecti ve duly authorized officers, by DISTRICT on _________________, 2026; by OWNER on _____________, 2026.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT,
A body corporate and politic
By_____________________________
Chief Engineer
City of Carson
By______________________________
Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By_______________________________
Sunny K. Soltani, City Attorney
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4''W
6''W
GGG
G
WWW
WW
WW
WW
14''W14''W14''W14''W14''W42''SD
42''SD

SDSDSDSDSD

BONITA ST
E 220TH ST

CITY OF CARSON
of 411776CALAS PARK STORMWATERCAPTURE PROJECTLOS ANGELES COUNTY BENCHMARK 7Y12504,ELEVATION 31.30 FEET (NAVD 88). L&SPK S'LYEND C.B. 24FT S/O BCR @ SE COR AVALONBLVD & 223RD ST.

MATCHLINE

MATCHLINE
42'' SD DIVERSION MANHOLEMANHOLE 1 MANHOLE 3
MANHOLE 4 JUNCTION STRUCTURE 1
24'' SD DIVERSION MANHOLE(DIVERSION 3)

BOX CULVERT DIVERSION ANDCATCH BASIN STRUCTURE
DISCHARGE FORCEMAIN CONNECTION TOEXISTING CATCH BASIN5.6 CFS HYDRODYNAMIC SEPARATOR5.6 CFS FILTER 2 CFS DISCHARGE PUMP STATIONWITH CHECK VALVE

EQUIPMENT ACCESS VAULTREMOVE AND REPLACEEX INLET, CONNECT TODIVERSION LINE PRE-CAST UNDERGROUND STORAGE VAULTFOOTPRINT = 0.125 ACREPONDING DEPTH = 8 FTFREEBOARD = 1 FTSTORAGE CAPACITY = 1.0 AC-FT BIOSWALE AREASEE SHEET C-06 FOR GRADINGREFER TO LANDSCAPE PLANFOR PLANTING 18'' ACTUATED VALVEJUNCTION STRUCTURE 2
Feet0 2040

PROTECT EXISTINGLIGHT IN PLACE

PROTECT EXISTINGLIGHT IN PLACE

BIOSWALEOVERFLOW DRAIN
MANHOLE 2
RELOCATE EX.SOCALGAS 2'' GASBY OTHERSREMOVE ABANDONEDGAS SERVICE LINE 4 LEGENDPROPOSED CONCRETE PAVEMENTEXISTING CONCRETE PAVEMENTSUBSURFACE STORAGE GALLERYPROPOSED LANDSCAPE AREASEE SHEET LP-02 FOR DETAILSPROPOSED BIOSWALEPROPOSED CONCRETE ADA RAMPDETECTABLE WARNING SURFACEPROPOSED RIP-RAP ENERGY DISSIPATORPROPOSED CHAIN-LINK FENCEPROJECT LIMITS OF WORKPROPOSED PIPE CENTERLINEPROPOSEDEXISTING PREX
PR CURB INLET(DIVERSION 4)
EXISTING 42" B1 9803 UNIT 1LINE B STORM DRAIN
OUTFLOW LINEALIGNMENT CSEE SHEET C-09
EXISTING 72" x 27" CI 2262REINFORCED CONCRETEBOX (RCB) STORM DRAIN REMOVE AND REPLACE EX CONCRETE SIDEWALKSEE SHEET C-05 FOR GRADING PR. CONCRETE PATHSEE SHEET C-05 FOR GRADING

LIMITS OF WORK

LIMITS OF WORK
EX. CHAIN LINK FENCE ANDCONCRETE FOOTER,REMOVE AND REPLACE

MANWAY STAIRS ACCESS VAULT
1C-10
3C-103C-102C-107C-118C-11
9C-12
10C-13
13C-14
1C-10
11C-14
-S-04
EX. 4" STORM DRAINREMOVE AND REPLACECONNECT TO BIOSWALE 4C-10
DIVERSION LINEALIGNMENT BSEE SHEET C-09
DIVERSION LINEALIGNMENT ASEE SHEET C-08
DIVERSION LINEALIGNMENT ASEE SHEET C-07
C-01SITE PLAN
15C-14
WYE AND CLEANOUT6C-11

PROTECT EXISTINGLIGHT IN PLACE
2LD-04
PR. ADA RAMPSEE SHEET C-05FOR GRADING3LD-04
PROPOSED INLETCONNECT TO STORAGE15C-14

RIP-RAP ATPIPE OUTLETSTO BIOSWALE
EXISTING CURB RAMP REMOVE ANDREPLACE TO ADA COMPLIANCE PERCALTRANS STANDARD DETAIL A88A14C-14

PROTECT EXISTINGCHAIN LINK FENCE

4''SD4''SD4''SD4''SD4''SD4''SD4''SD4''SD4''SDOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOE

SSSS SS
SS
GGG
GGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W4''W6''W6''W6''W6''W6''W6''W6''W6''W6''W6''W 6''W
4''W
W

IRR IRR

IRR IRR IRR IRR IRR

IRR IRR IRR IRR IRR IRR
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24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SD
24''SDSDE 220TH ST

TENNIS COURTSCALAS PARK
TREE TO BE REMOVED3Pinus canariensis / Canary Island Pine(1)Schinus terebinthifolia / Brazilian Pepper Tree(2)

TREE REMOVAL SCHEDULE
SYMBOLCODEBOTANICAL / COMMON NAMESIZEQTYTREESCER OCCCERCIS OCCIDENTALIS / WESTERN REDBUD24"2CHI BURCHILOPSIS LINEARIS 'BURGUNDY' / BURGUNDY DESERT WILLOW24"5LAG INDLAGERSTROEMIA INDICA / CRAPE MYRTLE24"3QUE AGRQUERCUS AGRIFOLIA / COAST LIVE OAK24"1

PLANT SCHEDULE

SYMBOLCODEBOTANICAL / COMMON NAMESHRUBSACH MILACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM / COMMON YARROWART DOUARTEMISIA DOUGLASIANA / MUGWORTBAC PIGBACCHARIS PILULARIS 'PIGEON POINT' / PIGEON POINT COYOTE BRUSHERY CARERYTHRANTHE CARDINALIS / SCARLET MONKEYFLOWERFES CAFESTUCA CALIFORNICA / CALIFORNIA FESCUEJUN ELKJUNCUS PATENS 'ELK BLUE' / SPREADING RUSHLEY CANLEYMUS CONDENSATUS 'CANYON PRINCE' / CANYON PRINCE GIANT WILD RYEMUH RIGMUHLENBERGIA RIGENS / DEER GRASSSAL BEESALVIA X 'BEE'S BLISS' / BEE'S BLISS SAGE CODEDESCRIPTIONQTYDETAILSITE AMENITIES LEGENDINTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE11/LD-04 S-101CONSTRUCTION LEGEND
Feet0 1020

CITY OF CARSON
of 411776CALAS PARK STORMWATERCAPTURE PROJECTLOS ANGELES COUNTY BENCHMARK 7Y12504,ELEVATION 31.30 FEET (NAVD 88). L&SPK S'LYEND C.B. 24FT S/O BCR @ SE COR AVALONBLVD & 223RD ST.CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG PLANTING PLANLP-0223

KEY MAP
E 220TH ST

BONITA ST

FOLEYAVE
167' LF OF NEW FENCE, SEEDETAIL 5 SHEET LD-03
SUBSURFACE STORMWATERIMPROVEMENTS, TYP. SEE SITE PLAN, C-01 BRAZILIAN PEPPER TREE TO BEREMOVED. ALL SOIL UNDER EXISTINGCANOPY TO BE REMOVED ANDDISPOSED. BACKFILL WITH AMENDEDSOIL FROM BALL FIELD EXCAVATION BRAZILIAN PEPPER TREE TO BEREMOVED. ALL SOIL UNDEREXISTING CANOPY TO BEREMOVED AND DISPOSED.BACKFILL WITH AMENDED SOILFROM BALL FIELD EXCAVATION

CANARY ISLAND PINETO BE REMOVED
RE-SOD ALL DISTURBED AREAS PERSPECIFICATIONS. SEE DEMO PLAN, C-02 TREE PLANTING PER PLAN. FINISH GRADE AT TOP OF TREE ROOTBALLS TO BE30" MIN ABOVE TOP OF PERMAVOID SYSTEM. WHEN FINISH GRADE AT TREEPLANTING LOCATION PER CIVIL ENGINEERING DRAWINGS DOES NOT ALLOW30" TO TOP OF PERMAVOID, STEP DOWN THE PERMAVOID SYSTEM BELOWTHE TREE ROOTBALL PER DETAIL TD/B3, SHEET ID-04. CONTRACTOR TOPROVIDE SHOP DRAWINGS OF PERMAVOID LAYOUT IN PLAN AND SECTIONVIEWS FOR APPROVAL BY OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TOFABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF PERMAVOID SYSTEM.

S-101

CITY OF CARSON 701 East Carson Street
Report to Honorable Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CONSENT 30. To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Dr. Arlington Rodgers, Director of Public Works PW Engineering Subject: CONSIDER ELIMINATING THE EXISTING TRUCK PARKING ZONE ON FIGUEROA STREETSOUTH OF SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD AND ESTABLISHING A NO-PARKING RESTRICTION ON BOTH SIDESOF FIGUEROA STREET BETWEEN LOMITA BOULEVARD AND SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD (CITY COUNCIL) I. SUMMARY
Representatives of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts requested that the City eliminate the existing 72- hour truck parking zone on Figueroa Street and prohibit parking on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. The request is intended to improve visibility, vehicle access, and overall traffic safety for vehicles regularly entering and exiting the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility, located at 24501 Figueroa Street.

Staff evaluated the request and existing roadway conditions and determined that removing on-street parking along this segment would improve sight distance, provide additional clearance for large vehicles entering and exiting the facility, reduce potential conflicts between parked and moving vehicles, and support safe and reliable access to the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility, a critical regional wastewater treatment facility.

Consequently, staff is requesting City Council authorization to eliminate the existing 72-hour truck parking zone and establish a no-parking restriction on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard, as shown in Exhibit No. 1.

II. RECOMMENDATION
TAKE the following actions:

1. AUTHORIZE the elimination of the existing 72-hour truck parking zone on the west side of Figueroa Street, south of Sepulveda Boulevard; and,

2. DIRECT the Director of Public Works to remove the existing signs designating the 72-hour truck parking zone; and,

3. AUTHORIZE the prohibition of parking on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard; and,

4. DIRECT the Director of Public Works to install the appropriate signs and/or pavement markings necessary to establish and enforce the no-parking restriction on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard.

III. ALTERNATIVES

1. DENY the elimination of the existing 72-hour truck parking zone on the west side of Figueroa Street, south of Sepulveda Boulevard.

2. DENY the proposed prohibition of parking on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard.

3. TAKE any other action deemed appropriate by the City Council, consistent with applicable law.

IV. BACKGROUND
Carson Municipal Code (CMC) Section 3254.2 generally prohibits trucks from parking on public streets within the City of Carson. Exceptions are allowed in locations specifically authorized by the City Council and designated for truck parking by the Public Works Director, or when temporary parking is reasonably necessary to make deliveries or provide services to nearby properties. Signs posted at City entrances and along designated truck routes inform drivers that truck parking is prohibited on City streets except for loading, unloading, and within approved truck parking areas.

The City currently provides two types of designated truck parking areas. Some locations allow trucks to park for up to 72 hours, primarily to accommodate longer-term or overnight parking. Other locations limit truck parking to one hour, primarily to provide drivers with locations for shorter meal and rest breaks.

This item concerns the portion of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. An existing 72-hour truck parking zone is located on the west side of Figueroa Street, south of Sepulveda Boulevard.

Within the overall segment between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard, approximately 1,500 feet of roadway currently allows parking, while approximately 4,100 feet is already designated as no parking. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts’ A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility is also located along this portion of Figueroa Street. The facility is regularly accessed by large vehicles that must enter and exit from Figueroa Street.

Representatives of the Sanitation Districts have requested that the City eliminate the existing 72-hour truck parking zone and prohibit parking on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard.

The request is intended to improve visibility and provide safer access for vehicles entering and leaving the facility.

City staff reviewed the request and existing roadway conditions. Based on that review, staff determined that removing on-street parking along this segment would improve sight distance for motorists, provide additional roadway clearance for large vehicles making turning movements, reduce potential conflicts between parked and moving vehicles, and improve overall traffic operations and safety. Because the proposed restriction would extend for more than 100 feet, CMC Section 3251.3 requires City Council authorization before the City may establish the no-parking area. Accordingly, this item is being presented to the City Council for consideration and approval.

Consequently, staff recommends that the City Council authorize the removal of the existing 72-hour truck parking zone and establish a no-parking restriction on both sides of Figueroa Street between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. If approved, the change would eliminate approximately 1,500 feet of currently available on- street parking within this segment and create a continuous no-parking area between Lomita Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. The proposed change is intended to improve visibility, accommodate the movement of large vehicles, reduce potential vehicle conflicts, and provide safer and more efficient access to the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility and along this portion of Figueroa Street.

V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The Public Works Department’s adopted General Fund budget has sufficient funding to cover the costs of removing, replacing, or installing the signs and pavement markings necessary to eliminate the existing truck parking zone and establish the proposed no-parking restriction.

VI. EXHIBITS

1. Location Map
Attachments

1. Location Map

LOCATION MAP
Figueroa Street, Eliminate 72-hour Truck Parking Zone and Prohibit Parking

CITY OF CARSON 701 East Carson Street
Report to Honorable Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CONSENT 31. To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Dr. Arlington Rodgers, Director of Public Works PW Operations Subject: CONSIDER RECEIVING AND FILING THE CITY OF CARSON URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN(CITY COUNCIL) I. SUMMARY
Staff is presenting the Urban Forest Management Plan, also referred to as the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP), to the City Council for consideration. The plan was developed by West Coast Arborists in coordination with City staff and provides a long-term framework for the care, maintenance, protection, and management of trees throughout Carson. The UFMP incorporates recognized tree-care standards and best practices and establishes clear guidance for the Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division in managing the City’s existing and future trees.

II. RECOMMENDATION
RECEIVE and FILE the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP).

III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE any other action the City Council deems appropriate.

IV. BACKGROUND
The Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining trees located within the public right-of-way, including street trees, as well as trees at City-owned facilities and parks. The City's trees are an important public asset that provide shade, improve neighborhood appearance, help reduce heat, support cleaner air, and contribute to the overall quality of the community. To provide a coordinated, long-term approach for managing and expanding this resource, the City established Project No. PW1793 - Urban Forest Master Plan and Implementation as part of its Capital Improvement Program.

In 2024, the City received funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Urban and Community Forestry Program to develop a comprehensive Urban Forest Master Plan and associated community outreach program.

The purpose of the plan is to provide a long-term framework for how the City protects, maintains, replaces, and expands its public tree population over the next 40 years. On August 28, 2025, the City issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 25-037 to solicit qualified firms to prepare the Urban Forest Master Plan. The RFP established the City's goal of developing a practical, science-based plan focused on protecting existing trees, increasing tree canopy throughout Carson, improving the health and resilience of the City's urban forest, and identifying opportunities to provide greater environmental and community benefits.

The plan was also intended to establish measurable goals and practical strategies that the City can use when making future decisions regarding tree planting, maintenance, replacement, protection, staffing, and funding. This includes identifying appropriate tree species and planting locations, establishing maintenance and design standards, assessing the condition and distribution of the City's existing trees, and identifying opportunities to increase tree canopy in areas where additional trees would provide the greatest benefit. Following the City's competitive selection process, West Coast Arborists was selected as the most qualified firm to prepare the Urban Forest Master Plan. West Coast Arborists completed the plan on July 31, 2026, to the City's satisfaction.

The completed Urban Forest Master Plan provides a comprehensive assessment of Carson's existing urban forest and establishes recommendations for its long-term management and growth. Among other components, the plan evaluates the City's existing tree inventory, tree size and condition, overall tree canopy coverage, potential locations for additional planting, recommended tree species, tree protection standards, maintenance practices, and future funding and operational needs. The plan also uses i-Tree Eco, an industry-standard analysis tool that helps communities measure the environmental benefits provided by their trees.

The major components of the Urban Forest Master Plan include public engagement; analysis of the City's existing tree canopy; recognition and management of trees as a City asset; operational and policy recommendations; short- and long-term implementation strategies; methods for monitoring progress; recommended tree species; tree planting and maintenance standards; identification of future planting opportunities; tree protection standards; tree inventory classifications; and recommended policies and guidelines.

The Urban Forest Master Plan provides the City with a long-term roadmap for maintaining a healthy, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban forest. Rather than addressing tree needs individually as they arise, the plan provides a coordinated framework for future decisions regarding tree maintenance, planting, replacement, investment, and protection. Implementation of the plan will help the City responsibly manage its existing trees while strategically expanding the urban tree canopy and the environmental and community benefits it provides to Carson residents.

V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s adopted budget associated with the recommended action. The City Council is being asked only to receive and file the Urban Forest Master Plan, and no additional funding is requested at this time. The cost to prepare the plan was fully funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant.

VI. EXHIBITS

1. The Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP)
Attachments
Exhibit 1. The Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP)

URBAN FOREST

MANAGEMENT PLAN
Prepared By: West Coast Arborists, Inc. August 2026

This page is left intentionally blank.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

City Of Carson
Lula Davis-Holmes – Mayor
Dr. Jawane Hilton – District 1 Council Member
Jim Dear – District 2 Council Member
Cedric L. Hicks, Sr. – District 3 Council Member / Mayor Pro Tempore Arleen B. Rojas – District 4 Council Member
David C. Roberts, Jr. – City Manager
Dr. Robert Lennox – Assistant City Manager
Dr. Arlington C. Rodgers, Jr. – Public Works Director
Kirby Jones – Public Works Superintendent
Gregory MacDonald – Public Works Tree Maintenance Supervisor Lakisha Blunt-Frierson – Public Works Division Secretary

West Coast Arborists, Inc.

Charlie Pulido – Author, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Tim Crothers – ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Registered Consulting Arborist Rob Thompson – Area Manager for the City of Carson, ISA Certified Arborist Andrew Pineda – Manager of GIS / Tree Inventories, ISA Certified Arborist Christian Mcelroy – GIS Assistant
Xiomara Duran – ISA Certified Arborist
Lissette Rios – Urban Biologist, ISA Certified Arborist Rebecca Mejia – ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision Statement ................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................... 3 Purpose and Scope of Plan ............................................................................................................... 4 History of Carson ............................................................................................................................... 4 Background of The Urban Forest ....................................................................................................... 6 Inventory Report ................................................................................................................................. 12 i-Tree Eco Benefits Summary ............................................................................................................ 8 Tree Inventory Summary ................................................................................................................... 9 Urban Forest Diversity Rule ............................................................................................................... 9 Top Ten Species........................................................................................................................... 11 Top Ten Genera ........................................................................................................................... 12 Top Ten Families .......................................................................................................................... 13 Tree Size and Condition Analysis .................................................................................................... 14 Diameter of Tree Trunks .............................................................................................................. 15 Height of Trees ............................................................................................................................ 16 Condition of Trees ........................................................................................................................ 17 Tree Inventory .................................................................................................................................. 18 Tree Species Inventory ................................................................................................................ 18 Vacant Sites ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Tree Inventory by Council District .................................................................................................... 25 Canopy Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 26 Introduction to Canopy Cover .......................................................................................................... 27 Methodology .................................................................................................................................... 27 Canopy Cover Analysis .................................................................................................................... 28 Land Cover Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 32 Land cover Analysis overview ...................................................................................................... 32 Grid Pruning District 1 .................................................................................................................. 34 Grid Pruning District 2 .................................................................................................................. 35 Grid Pruning District 3 .................................................................................................................. 36 Grid Pruning District 4 .................................................................................................................. 37 Grid Pruning District 5 .................................................................................................................. 38 Grid Pruning District 6 .................................................................................................................. 39

ii
Grid Pruning District 7 .................................................................................................................. 40 Grid Pruning District 8 .................................................................................................................. 41 Grid Pruning District 9 .................................................................................................................. 42 Grid Pruning District 10 ................................................................................................................ 43 Grid Pruning District 11 ................................................................................................................ 44 Grid Pruning District 12 ................................................................................................................ 45 Grid Pruning District 13 ................................................................................................................ 46 Grid Pruning District 14 ................................................................................................................ 47 Grid Pruning District 15 ................................................................................................................ 48 Grid Pruning District 16 ................................................................................................................ 49 Grid Pruning District 17 ................................................................................................................ 50 Grid Pruning District 18 ................................................................................................................ 51 Grid Pruning District 19 ................................................................................................................ 52 Grid Pruning District 20 ................................................................................................................ 53 Grid Pruning District 21 ................................................................................................................ 54 Districts with the lowest canopy cover ......................................................................................... 55 Districts with the highest canopy cover ........................................................................................ 55 Greatest vacant site Count by District .......................................................................................... 55 Most constrained districts ............................................................................................................ 56 Citywide Comparison Tables ........................................................................................................ 57 Urban Heat Island Effect .................................................................................................................. 60 Potential Canopy Growth from Vacant Sites .................................................................................... 61 Canopy Goals .................................................................................................................................. 62 Urban Forest Operations..................................................................................................................... 63 Goals and Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 64 Special Zones, Historical Zones, Groves ......................................................................................... 64 Sōka Sister-City Japanese Black Pines ....................................................................................... 64 Public Works Department ................................................................................................................ 65 Maintenance Program ..................................................................................................................... 65 Tree Inspections .......................................................................................................................... 65 Grid Pruning Schedule ................................................................................................................. 66 Annual Pruning Species Matrix .................................................................................................... 67 Annual Pruning Species Categories ............................................................................................ 68 Grid Pruning Districts Overview ................................................................................................... 69 Grid Pruning District 1 .................................................................................................................. 70

iii
Grid Pruning District 2 .................................................................................................................. 71 Grid Pruning District 3 .................................................................................................................. 72 Grid Pruning District 4 .................................................................................................................. 73 Grid Pruning District 5 .................................................................................................................. 74 Grid Pruning District 6 .................................................................................................................. 75 Grid Pruning District 7 .................................................................................................................. 76 Grid Pruning District 8 .................................................................................................................. 77 Grid Pruning District 9 .................................................................................................................. 78 Grid Pruning District 10 ................................................................................................................ 79 Grid Pruning District 11 ................................................................................................................ 80 Grid Pruning District 12 ................................................................................................................ 81 Grid Pruning District 13 ................................................................................................................ 82 Grid Pruning District 14 ................................................................................................................ 83 Grid Pruning District 15 ................................................................................................................ 84 Grid Pruning District 16 ................................................................................................................ 85 Grid Pruning District 17 ................................................................................................................ 86 Grid Pruning District 18 ................................................................................................................ 87 Grid Pruning District 19 ................................................................................................................ 88 Grid Pruning District 20 ................................................................................................................ 89 Grid Pruning District 21 ................................................................................................................ 90 Out of Cycle Pruning .................................................................................................................... 91 Tree Removals ............................................................................................................................. 91 Council Districts Inventory Overview............................................................................................ 91 Standards and Best Management Practices .................................................................................... 97 Plant Health Care ............................................................................................................................ 97 Cultural Practices to Support Tree Health .................................................................................... 97 Integrated Pest Management ..................................................................................................... 104 Risk Assessment ........................................................................................................................... 107 Urban Forest Biomass Recycling & Repurposing .......................................................................... 107 Tree Recycling Plan ................................................................................................................... 108 Species Replacement Plan ........................................................................................................ 108 Urban Wood Public Construction Projects ................................................................................. 108 Emergency Operations .................................................................................................................. 109 Incident Reporting ...................................................................................................................... 109 Storm Events ............................................................................................................................. 109

iv
Incident Response ..................................................................................................................... 109 Emergency Response by Outside Contractors .......................................................................... 109 Debris Management .................................................................................................................. 110 Wildlife Protection .......................................................................................................................... 110 Tree Planting Plan ............................................................................................................................. 113 Sustainability ................................................................................................................................. 114 Tree Palette ................................................................................................................................... 114 Plant Characteristics Used ......................................................................................................... 115 Approved Tree Palette ............................................................................................................... 116 Planting Space Ranging 2 – 4 Feet Wide .................................................................................. 118 Planting Space Ranging 4 – 7 Feet Wide .................................................................................. 118 Planting Space Greater Than 7 Feet Wide ................................................................................ 119 Overhead Utility Compatible Trees ............................................................................................ 120 California Native Trees ............................................................................................................... 120 Species Profiles ......................................................................................................................... 121 Planning, Development, and Infrastructure .................................................................................... 164 Tree Protection During Site Development and Construction ...................................................... 164 Tree Planting to Reduce Urban Heat ............................................................................................. 168 Planting Plan ................................................................................................................................. 169 Soil Testing ................................................................................................................................ 176 Species Selection ...................................................................................................................... 176 Nursery Stock Selection ............................................................................................................. 176 Tree Installation ......................................................................................................................... 179 New Tree Support and Trunk Protection .................................................................................... 184 Watering for New Trees ............................................................................................................. 186 Structural Pruning ...................................................................................................................... 187 Monitoring of Newly Planted Trees ............................................................................................ 188 Strategic Plan .................................................................................................................................... 189 Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................................... 190 Implementation Plan ...................................................................................................................... 191 Strategic Goal 1 ......................................................................................................................... 191 Strategic Goal 2 ......................................................................................................................... 192 Strategic Goal 3 ......................................................................................................................... 193 Strategic Goal 4 ......................................................................................................................... 194 Strategic Goal 5 ......................................................................................................................... 195

v
Strategic Goal 6 ......................................................................................................................... 196 Public Participation ........................................................................................................................... 198 Public Education / Outreach .......................................................................................................... 199 Tree City USA Status ..................................................................................................................... 199 Caring for Private Trees ................................................................................................................. 200 Resources for Homeowners and Businesses ................................................................................ 200 Appendix A – References and Glossary of Terms ............................................................................. 201 Appendix B – Best Management Practices ....................................................................................... 223 Appendix C – City Planting Details and Specifications ..................................................................... 226 Appendix D – Common Pest and Disease Information ..................................................................... 233 Appendix E – Tree Ordinances ......................................................................................................... 237 Appendix F – i-Tree Eco™ Reports .................................................................................................. 258 Appendix G – Resources for Homeowners and Businesses ............................................................. 310

"The City of Carson envisions a thriving, resilient, and equitable urban forest that serves as vital green infrastructure. By expanding our tree canopy, we will cool neighborhoods, create shaded public spaces, and naturally filter stormwater and industrial emissions.

Integrated into dense developments and climate goals, Carson’s urban forest will stand as a living testament to environmental leadership—ensuring a sustainable, healthy, and vibrant ecosystem for future generations."

VISION STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

3 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Carson’s Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) provides a framework for managing, sustaining, and expanding the city’s urban forest to maximize community, environmental, and economic benefits. Grounded in scientific knowledge, ISA standards, and best practices, it guides city leaders and educates the community on the value of trees.

Carson’s urban forest has evolved alongside its land-use history—from indigenous stewardship and Spanish ranchos to agriculture, industrialization, and suburban growth. Now, it’s vital public infrastructure that provides shade, improves air quality, manages stormwater, offers habitat, and fosters neighborhood identity.

The city has over 16,000 trees across 21 grid pruning districts, valued at $94 million. It boasts 200 species, with no single species exceeding 10%, following the 10-20-30 rule to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss from pests and diseases. Yet canopy cover is only 5.3%, limited by 75% impervious land, industrial activity, and scarce planting space. About 7,000 vacant sites are planned for future planting.

The UFMP envisions a greener, cooler, more resilient Carson. Its key strategic goals include:
• Expanding and more equitably distributing tree canopy, especially in neighborhoods with high pollution burden and heat vulnerability.
• Building a diverse, climate-ready urban forest by adopting the 10-20-30 diversity standard, updating the species palette for resilience, and balancing age classes to sustain canopy cover over time.
• Moving from reactive response to proactive, data-driven management through a regularly updated, GIS-integrated inventory and a cyclical pruning program. • Protecting mature trees through strengthened policies, designing solutions to hardscape conflicts, and integrating tree requirements into development review. • Securing sustainable funding and staffing, including a dedicated City Urban Forester and expanded grant-seeking efforts.
• Growing community stewardship through multilingual outreach, public education, partnerships, and annual reporting to achieve and sustain Tree City USA recognition.

Implementation and Community Engagement. The UFMP highlights adaptive management to address new scientific data, climate change, and threats such as the polyphagous shot hole borer and the South American palm weevil. It promotes sustainability through water-efficient species, the repurposing of removed trees, and the integration of trees into city plans.

The plan promotes public engagement through events, school partnerships, and volunteer programs to foster stewardship and equitable benefit-sharing in Carson’s diverse community. Success is gauged through canopy assessments, plant survival, and public reports. The City of Carson UFMP details a strategy for a healthier, sustainable, and resilient urban forest. With strategic planning, community involvement, and investment, Carson strives to enhance environmental quality, livability, and climate resilience for current and future generations.

INTRODUCTION

4 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF PLAN
This UFMP is intended to serve as a guide for City of Carson decision-makers and staff in managing, maintaining, and expanding community benefits from the city-managed tree components of the urban forest. It is also a tool for educating community members about the benefits of trees and the importance of their role in maintaining a healthy, growing, sustainable urban forest.

The UFMP is based on current scientific understanding and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for tree care developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The urban forest exists in a dynamic environment shaped by numerous factors, including climate change, drought, population growth, emerging pests and diseases, and changes in laws and regulations. ISA BMPs and ANSI Standards are periodically revised to address these factors and incorporate new scientific discoveries and improved industry practices. Likewise, to be effective in maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest that provides the maximum benefits to the community in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, this UFMP is intended to be a living document that will be reviewed and adjusted, as needed, to address these changes.

HISTORY OF CARSON
From Sacred Lands to Industrial Hub
Located just 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, the city of Carson has a rich, multi-layered history that reflects the broader transformation of Southern California. From its indigenous roots and Spanish ranchos to its 20th-century oil boom and modern cultural diversity, Carson’s journey is a compelling American story.

Indigenous Roots and Spanish
Rancho Era
Long before European settlers
arrived, the land now known as
Carson was home to the Tongva
(Gabrielino) Native Americans. They
thrived in the region for thousands of
years, relying on the local wetlands
and proximity to San Pedro Bay for
sustenance and trade.

The area's modern history changed
dramatically in 1784, when Spanish
Governor Pedro Fages granted a
massive 75,000-acre tract to retired
soldier Juan Jose Dominguez.

Known as Rancho San Pedro, the territory encompassed all of modern-day Carson. For nearly 150 years, the land's fate remained tied to the Dominguez family, who ran a large cattle ranching operation. During the Mexican-American War, the historic Battle of Rancho Dominguez occurred here in 1846, marking a temporary victory for Mexican forces defending their land.

Dairying operations south of Dominguez Hill on the Carson estate, 1902

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5 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

The American Transition and 20th-Century Boom
Following California’s admission to the United States, the rancho began to diversify. In 1857, George Henry Carson married Maria Victoria Dominguez. He took over management of the ranch operations and helped modernize the area’s business landscape. Because of his immense impact on the region's development, the area eventually took his name.

Carson was also the backdrop for a pivotal moment in technological history:

The 1910 Aviation Meet: The Dominguez Hills area hosted the first international aviation meet in American history, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to watch early aviators fly in monoplanes, biplanes, and hot-air balloons.

The Black Gold Rush: In 1921, oil was discovered on Dominguez Hill, transforming the local economy. Agriculture and ranching quickly gave way to oil derricks, refineries, and rapid industrialization.

Independence and Incorporation (1968)
As the post-World War II
population surged, the
unincorporated communities in
the area faced a choice.

Nearby cities such as Los
Angeles and Long Beach
threatened to annex chunks of the valuable, tax-rich
industrial land.

To take control of their local government and protect their borders, residents went to the polls on February 6, 1968, and voted to incorporate. When choosing a name for the
new city, voters narrowly selected "Carson" over
"Dominguez" by just 318 votes. The city was officially
incorporated on February 20, 1968.

Key Historical Milestones
• 1784: Spanish land grant establishes Rancho San Pedro. • 1846: The Battle of Rancho Dominguez is fought during the Mexican-American War. • 1910: Host to the first International Aviation Meet in the United States. • 1921: Discovery of oil triggers a massive shift toward heavy industry. • 1968: Citizens officially vote to incorporate as the City of Carson. • 1977: California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) permanently establishes its sprawling campus in the city.
1910 Aviation Meet Poster
Members of the first Carson City Council pose
together on Feb. 6, 1968. L to R: H. Rick Clark, John
A. Marbut (mayor), Sak Yamamoto, John L. Junk,
Gilbert D. Smith.

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Carson Today
Today, Carson has evolved from a strictly industrial town into a thriving, highly diverse suburban community. It is known across Southern California for its rich cultural tapestry and large Filipino, Mexican, Black, and Asian-American populations. Alongside the major education hub of CSU Dominguez Hills, the city is a sports capital, hosting major soccer and athletic events at the Dignity Health Sports Park. From an expansive Spanish cattle ranch to a modern urban hub, Carson remains a vital part of the Los Angeles landscape.

BACKGROUND OF THE URBAN FOREST
Carson’s urban forest mirrors the city’s land-use history and the physical constraints imposed by its built environment. Before urbanization, the area was used for ranching, farming, dairies, and agriculture. As the city expanded in the twentieth century, residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, industrial zones, refineries, transportation routes, flood control systems, and utility corridors shaped the landscape. When Carson was incorporated in 1968, it inherited a complex urban landscape characterized by industrial land uses, former landfill sites, drainage issues, and fragmented development. These factors affected where trees could be planted, how the canopy developed, and where long-term conflicts with sidewalks, streets, utilities, and hardscape would emerge.

Carson’s urban forest evolved within a highly constrained, urbanized environment. Growing space for urban trees is generally limited and remains unchanged unless intentionally modified, unlike in naturally forested areas. As a result of competing priorities and city zoning policies, urban canopy distribution is often uneven, with some neighborhoods having significantly more tree cover than others.

The City's municipal code outlines policies for tree preservation, planting, pruning, inventory, construction protection, and managing conflicts with hardscape. These policies focus on selecting suitable species, ensuring drought tolerance, compatibility with growing space, safeguarding infrastructure, maintaining public safety, and adhering to industry-standard pruning methods. They also highlight the importance of protecting existing public trees during construction and considering alternatives before removing trees due to sidewalk or hardscape conflicts.

Today, Carson’s urban forest is regarded as vital public infrastructure. Trees offer shade, lower urban heat, enhance air quality, intercept stormwater, support neighborhood identity, and boost public health and environmental conditions. The Urban Forest Master Plan builds upon the City’s existing tree policies and creates a framework to restore, manage, and increase canopy cover. By improving inventory data, setting planting priorities, enhancing species diversity, planning maintenance, and monitoring canopy health, Carson can strengthen its urban forest while addressing climate resilience, environmental justice, infrastructure needs, and community quality of life.

INVENTORY REPORT

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i-TREE ECO BENEFITS SUMMARY
The i-Tree Eco analysis assessed more than 16,000 trees inventoried across the City of Carson to determine their composition, structure, environmental benefits, replacement values, and potential pest risks (see Appendix F, i-Tree Eco Reports). Carson’s tree inventory is dominated by nonnative species, with 84% exotic to North America and only 3% native to California.

The trees store an estimated 12,306 short tons of carbon, valued at $5.33 million, and sequester approximately 419.6 tons of carbon annually, valued at $181,579. They also remove 7.29 tons of air pollution annually, valued at $64,276, and reduce stormwater runoff by approximately 1.178 million gallons annually, valued at $10,523. Together, these three quantified annual services are valued at approximately $256,378. The modeled replacement value of the inventoried tree population is approximately $93.96 million. Building-energy savings and avoided energy-related carbon emissions were not calculated because the required building-location data were not collected.

Benefits are mainly concentrated among several mature, high-leaf-area species. The Canary Island Pine offers the highest avoided-runoff and pollution-removal benefits, with a replacement value of about $9.67 million. Carrotwood stores the most carbon—around 1,322 tons—while Jacaranda provides the highest annual carbon sequestration at 37.39 tons, just surpassing Brisbane Box at

37.36 tons. The top ten species collectively account for roughly 55% of the runoff and pollution benefits and 62% of the total replacement value. This highlights the importance of preserving healthy mature trees and gradually diversifying future plantings.

The pest analysis identified that out of roughly 11,800 trees—comprising about 72.8% of the total inventory—are vulnerable to at least one modeled pest or disease, with a replacement value around $70.68 million. The polyphagous shot hole borer presents the greatest potential threat, affecting over 9,000 trees—or 57.0% of the inventory—worth approximately $51.34 million. These numbers reflect host susceptibility but do not indicate confirmed infestations, predicted mortality, or actual financial losses. They should inform monitoring efforts, diversification strategies, and response planning.

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TREE INVENTORY SUMMARY
The City of Carson maintains a comprehensive tree inventory of its urban forest in ArborAccess, the electronic database for every city-maintained tree site. The inventory catalogs 23,455 valid sites in street rights-of-way, medians, parks, and City facilities. Of these, 16,080 are occupied by living trees currently under management, 7,057 are vacant sites identified as suitable for future planting, and the remainder, 318 tree sites, consisting of 158 trees flagged for removal, 148 stumps, 10 unsuitable sites, 1 site obstruction, and 1 not city-maintained, accounting for 1.4% inventory. The living tree population is estimated at $94 million in replacement value. The most common species are Jacaranda, Carrotwood, Fern Pine, American Sweetgum, Brisbane Box, Canary Island Pine, and Mexican Fan Palm, which together create a diverse and resilient urban forest in the City of Carson.

Trees are distributed across the City's 21 grid-pruning districts.

The inventory was collected by West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA), with field staff visiting each site and recording a standardized set of data fields that load directly into ArborAccess. For each site, they captured the tree site location (address, side, and GPS latitude/longitude), tree identification (common and botanical names), diameter at standard height (DSH), height range, condition rating, utility presence, recommended maintenance, and, where applicable, a removal priority. Recording these fields at the point of collection enables the City to project maintenance needs and costs for upcoming years, generate work lists by species or activity, plan an efficient maintenance cycle, and support grant funding applications. Because ArborAccess is a living database, it is updated as trees are trimmed, removed, or planted, so the record continuously reflects the current state of the urban forest.

Of the 16,080 managed live trees, 8,880 are rated Good, and 6,641 are rated Fair, together comprising the large majority of the live inventory. A smaller share warrants closer attention: 559 are rated Poor. The living trees average roughly 17 inches in diameter and 29 feet in height, and 377 are mature trees with a DSH of 31 inches or greater. Approximately 2,959 trees (about 18 percent) grow beneath or near overhead utility lines, a factor that directly shapes trimming methods and species- selection decisions, since poor placement under utilities is a leading driver of removal recommendations.

URBAN FOREST DIVERSITY RULE
The 10-20-30 rule is commonly applied to increase species diversity and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic tree loss in an urban forest due to disease or pest outbreaks. This rule states that no one species should comprise more than 10%, no genus more than 20%, and no family more than 30% of the total number of trees in an urban forest inventory. Only pests and diseases specific to a single taxonomic family, genus, or species fall under this guideline. It also represents a compromise, accepting a potentially significant loss of trees within an urban forest to prevent a catastrophic loss if a host-specific pest or disease caused high mortality in that host.

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This rule is designed to address host-specific pests and diseases. It provides a calculated risk framework: a well-diversified urban forest may still lose trees to a specific threat, but the loss will be bounded rather than catastrophic. The collapse of American Elm across North American cities due to Dutch Elm Disease — when elm trees comprised the vast majority of many urban forests — is the defining historical example of what this rule is designed to prevent.

The 10-20-30 Rule was formalized by urban forestry researchers to provide a practical framework for maintaining biodiversity and reducing the risk of monoculture in managed urban tree populations. The rule operates across three taxonomic levels:
• Species Level (10%): No single tree species should
represent more than 10% of the total urban forest. This limits exposure to species-specific threats such as targeted insects or pathogens.
• Genus Level (20%): No single genus should represent
more than 20% of the total inventory. Trees within the
same genus often share physiological traits, making them vulnerable to the same threats.
• Family Level (30%): No single plant family should
represent more than 30% of the inventory. This is the
broadest taxonomic safeguard, recognizing that some
pests and diseases affect entire plant families.

Carson's live tree inventory comprises 16,080 trees from 200 species, 120 genera, and 40 families.

This analysis shows no rule failures at the species, genus, or family level. Species diversity is acceptable, with no single species exceeding the 10% benchmark. Jacaranda mimosifolia is the most common species at 7.6% of the inventory, and the top ten species together account for roughly 55% of the inventory. Genus diversity is also within recommended limits, with no genus approaching the 20% benchmark; the leading genera Jacaranda, Cupaniopsis, Afrocarpus, Liquidambar, and Pinus each make up 6–8% of the inventory. Because several of these genera are dominated by a single species, increasing species diversification is recommended to further reduce genus concentration. At the family level, Arecaceae (palms) and Myrtaceae (myrtle) each exceed 10% of the inventory, at

11.5% and 10.2%, respectively, but both are well below the 30% ceiling. These two families should be considered as soft caps with limited expansion through future planting.

Rule Threshold Highest Observed % of Total Result
10% Species ≤ 10% per species Jacaranda mimosifolia 7.6% PASS 20% Genus ≤ 20% per genus Cupaniopsis anacardioides 7.0% PASS 30% Family ≤ 30% per family Afrocarpus falcatus 6.9% PASS Table 2.1: Inventory Diversity Analysis Overview.

The 10-20-30 rule limits exposure to pests and pathogens specific to a single taxon. According to the i-Tree assessment in Appendix F, Carson's principal pest threat, the polyphagous shot hole borer, could affect 57 percent of the City's trees, approximately 9,250 trees, with a replacement value of $51.3 million.

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11 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

TOP TEN SPECIES
The 10% species threshold for a 16,080-tree inventory is 1,608 trees. All species PASS this threshold. However, Jacaranda mimosifolia, at 7.6%, is closest to the threshold and should be actively monitored as the inventory changes.

Common Name Species Tree Count % of Total Result
Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia 1,215 7.6% PASS
Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides 1,118 7.0% PASS
Fern Pine Afrocarpus falcatus 1,113 6.9% PASS
American Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 1,065 6.6% PASS Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis 805 5.0% PASS
Brisbane Box Lophostemon confertus 795 4.9% PASS
Mexican Fan Palm Washingtonia robusta 709 4.4% PASS
Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius 684 4.3% PASS Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora 681 4.2% PASS
Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica 674 4.2% PASS
Table 2.2: Top Ten Species Analysis Overview.

Figure 2.1: Top Ten Species Chart.

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TOP TEN GENERA
The 20% genus threshold for the inventory is 3,216 trees. None of the 120 genera surpasses this limit, so all receive a PASS at the genus level.

Common Name Genus Species Count Tree Count % of Total Result Jacaranda Jacaranda 1 1,215 7.6% PASS
Carrot Wood Cupaniopsis 1 1,118 7.0% PASS
Fern Pine Afrocarpus 1 1,113 6.9% PASS
Sweetgum Liquidambar 2 1,076 6.7% PASS
Pine Pinus 6 994 6.2% PASS
Brisbane Box Lophostemon 1 795 4.9% PASS
Fan Palm Washingtonia 2 771 4.8% PASS
Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia 3 698 4.3% PASS
Pepper Tree Schinus 2 698 4.3% PASS
Magnolia Magnolia 3 683 4.2% PASS
Table 2.3: Top Ten Genera Analysis Overview.

Figure 2.2: Top Ten Genera Chart.

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TOP TEN FAMILIES
The 30% family threshold for the inventory is set at 4,824 trees. None of the 40 plant families surpass this limit, so all receive a PASS at the family level.

Common Name Family Species Count Tree Count % of Total Result Palm Family Arecaceae 15 1,852 11.5% PASS
Myrtle Family Myrtaceae 27 1,648 10.2% PASS
Trumpet-tree Family Bignoniaceae 9 1,519 9.4% PASS
Soapberry Family Sapindaceae 8 1,338 8.3% PASS
Sumac Family Anacardiaceae 8 1,190 7.4% PASS
Podocarpus Family Podocarpaceae 3 1,127 7.0% PASS
Sweetgum Family Altingiaceae 2 1,076 6.7% PASS
Pine Family Pinaceae 7 997 6.2% PASS
Rose Family Rosaceae 16 806 5.0% PASS
Loosestrife Family Lythraceae 3 698 4.3% PASS
Table 2.4: Top Ten Families Analysis Overview.

Figure 2.3: Top Ten Families Chart.

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TREE SIZE AND CONDITION ANALYSIS
Tree size is determined by diameter at standard height (DSH), the main field measurement. All trees in the filtered live inventory have recorded diameters and are categorized into standard size classes.

The tree height, based on the measured height in the inventory, is reported accordingly; trees with a height of zero are indicated as “Unknown / Not Recorded,” and height classes are provided. Tree condition is assessed on a Good / Fair / Poor scale, with a summary of the condition.

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DIAMETER OF TREE TRUNKS
The DSH distribution reflects a maturing urban forest weighted toward the middle of the size range.

The largest single class is 13–18 inches (6,249 trees, 38.9%), and together the 13–18 inch and 19– 24 inch classes account for 62.1% of the inventory. Young, small trees in the 0–6 inch class make up

7.9% (1,271 trees), and the 7–12 inch class adds another 16.7% (2,683 trees). Large and over- mature trees are comparatively scarce: only 11.0% fall in the 25–30 inch class, and just 2.3% (377 trees) are 31 inches or larger.

This diameter analysis indicates an urban forest that is predominantly young-mature to maturing rather than mature, with a relatively thin group of very young trees and a small population of large- diameter mature specimens. The strong middle group means the urban forest will continue to add canopy cover for many years as those trees grow and mature, with routine structural pruning as trees pass through their most vigorous growth phase. The small proportion of trees in the 0–6 inch class (7.9%) suggests that replacement planting may not be keeping pace with the growth of the size structure of a healthy, self-sustaining forest, which usually features a larger young population to compensate for future losses. The small group of large-diameter trees (2.3%) means the City has relatively few of the biggest, highest-canopy-value trees, so those specimens should be prioritized for preservation.

DSH Class Total Trees % of Inventory
0-6 in 1271 7.9%
7-12 in 2683 16.7%
13-18 in 6249 38.9%
19-24 in 3731 23.2%
25-30 in 1769 11.0%
31+ in 377 2.3%
Table 2.5: DSH Class Analysis.

Figure 2.4: DSH Class Chart.

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HEIGHT OF TREES
The height distribution reinforces the picture of a maturing, medium-stature forest. A clear majority of trees, 9,252 or 57.5%, fall in the 16–30-foot class, with a further 16.0% (2,572 trees) below 16 feet.

Taller trees are progressively less common: 9.2% reach 31–45 feet, 8.4% reach 46–60 feet, and 6.8% (1,098 trees) exceed 60 feet. A total of 327 trees (2.0%) carry no recorded height and are reported as Unknown / Not Recorded. The substantial group of shorter trees (0–30 feet, together 73.5% of the inventory) will require ongoing structural pruning as they grow into their mature form. The taller trees (46 feet and above, together 15.2%) represent the urban forests' tallest trees. The 327 records lacking height data should be captured in the next inventory update so that clearance and canopy analyses are complete.

Height Class Total Trees % of Inventory
0-15 ft 2572 16.0%
16-30 ft 9252 57.5%
31-45 ft 1474 9.2%
46-60 ft 1357 8.4%
61+ ft 1098 6.8%
Unknown / Not Recorded 327 2.0%
Table 2.6: Height Class Analysis.

Figure 2.5: Height Class Chart.

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CONDITION OF TREES
The overall condition of the urban forest is sound. A majority of trees are rated Good (8,880 trees,

55.2%) and nearly all of the remainder are rated Fair (6,641 trees, 41.3%), so 96.5% of the inventory is in Good or Fair condition. Trees in Poor condition account for 559 trees (3.5%). This favorable profile for an urban forest of this size indicates that routine tree care maintenance has generally kept the population healthy.

Condition ratings should directly shape maintenance priorities. The 559 poor-condition trees are the next priority tier and should be field-inspected by the Tree Maintenance Supervisor to distinguish those that can be retained through Plant Health Care or structural pruning from those that should be removed. The large group of Fair trees (41.3%) is the group where proactive plant health care, structural pruning of younger specimens, and monitoring can most effectively prevent decline into the Poor category, protecting the City's green infrastructure and slowing the rate at which trees become hazards and/or are removed. Because the Good/Fair share is high, the City is in a position to practice preventive tree care maintenance.

Tree Condition Total Trees % of Inventory
Good 8880 55.2%
Fair 6641 41.3%
Poor 559 3.5%
Table 2.7: Tree Condition Analysis.

Figure 2.6: Tree Condition Chart.

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TREE INVENTORY
The live tree inventory is distributed across 21 grid pruning districts. Tree distribution across the districts is uneven. District 17 has the largest share of the inventory at 1,454 trees (9.0%), followed by District 4 with 1,452 trees (9.0%) and District 16 with 1,097 trees (6.8%). At the other end of the range, District 7 (346 trees, 2.2%), District 6 (377 trees, 2.3%), and District 1 (421 trees, 2.6%) have the smallest populations among the districts.

District Total Trees % of Inventory
1 421 2.6%
2 759 4.7%
3 473 2.9%
4 1452 9.0%
5 494 3.1%
6 377 2.3%
7 346 2.2%
8 518 3.2%
9 666 4.1%
10 1016 6.3%
11 697 4.3%
12 954 5.9%
13 989 6.2%
14 691 4.3%
15 637 4.0%
16 1097 6.8%
17 1454 9.0%
18 702 4.4%
19 945 5.9%
20 858 5.3%
21 534 3.3%
Total 16,080 100%
Table 2.8: Distribution of Live Trees Across Grid Pruning Districts.

TREE SPECIES INVENTORY
All 200 species in the 16,080 live tree inventory are sorted by total tree count (highest to lowest).

Botanical Name Common Name Genus Family Total
Count
Species
%
Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda Jacaranda Bignoniaceae 1,215 7.556% Cupaniopsis anacardioides Carrotwood Cupaniopsis Sapindaceae 1,118 6.953% Afrocarpus falcatus Fern Pine Afrocarpus Podocarpaceae 1,113 6.922% Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweetgum Liquidambar Altingiaceae 1,065 6.623% Pinus canariensis Canary Island Pine Pinus Pinaceae 805 5.006% Lophostemon confertus Brisbane Box Lophostemon Myrtaceae 795 4.944% Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm Washingtonia Arecaceae 709 4.409% Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian Pepper Schinus Anacardiaceae 684 4.254% Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia Magnolia Magnoliaceae 681 4.235% Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia Lythraceae 674 4.192% Syagrus romanzoffianum Queen Palm Syagrus Arecaceae 654 4.067%

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Botanical Name Common Name Genus Family Total
Count
Species
%
Pyrus kawakamii Evergreen Pear Pyrus Rosaceae 498 3.097% Pistacia chinensis Chinese Pistache Pistacia Anacardiaceae 368 2.289% Ficus microcarpa 'Nitida' Indian Laurel Fig Ficus Moraceae 348 2.164% Platanus racemosa California Sycamore Platanus Platanaceae 291 1.810% Handroanthus heptaphyllus Pink Trumpet Tree Handroanthus Bignoniaceae 230 1.430% Corymbia citriodora Lemon-Scented Gum Corymbia Myrtaceae 221 1.374% Platanus X hispanica London Plane Platanus Platanaceae 217 1.350% Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Tree Cinnamomum Lauraceae 216 1.343% Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig Ficus Moraceae 208 1.294%
Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Flame Tree Koelreuteria Sapindaceae 201 1.250% Cassia leptophylla Gold Medallion Tree Cassia Fabaceae 181 1.126% Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana King Palm Archontophoenix Arecaceae 178 1.107% Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm Ulmus Ulmaceae 168 1.045%
Callistemon citrinus Lemon Bottlebrush Callistemon Myrtaceae 165 1.026% Prunus caroliniana Carolina Laurel Cherry Prunus Rosaceae 139 0.864% Harpephyllum caffrum Kaffir Plum Harpephyllum Anacardiaceae 110 0.684% Ligustrum lucidum Glossy Privet Ligustrum Oleaceae 101 0.628% Bauhinia variegata Purple Orchid Tree Bauhinia Fabaceae 96 0.597% Eucalyptus sideroxylon Red Ironbark Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 95 0.591% Quercus ilex Holly Oak Quercus Fagaceae 95 0.591%
Erythrina caffra South African Coral Tree Erythrina Fabaceae 93 0.578% Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Phoenix Arecaceae 91 0.566% Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Pinus Pinaceae 88 0.547%
Morus alba White Mulberry Morus Moraceae 87 0.541%
Eucalyptus rudis Desert Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 85 0.529% Pyrus calleryana Ornamental Pear Pyrus Rosaceae 81 0.504% Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa' Hollywood Juniper Juniperus Cupressaceae 74 0.460% Washingtonia filifera California Fan Palm Washingtonia Arecaceae 62 0.386% Fraxinus uhdei Shamel Ash Fraxinus Oleaceae 55 0.342%
Ceiba speciosa Silk-Floss Tree Ceiba Malvaceae 45 0.280% Arbutus 'Marina' Marina Arbutus Arbutus Ericaceae 44 0.274% Laurus nobilis Sweet Bay Laurus Lauraceae 44 0.274%
Celtis sinensis Chinese Hackberry Celtis Cannabaceae 43 0.267% Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Leaf Fig Ficus Moraceae 43 0.267% Brachychiton populneus Bottle Tree Brachychiton Malvaceae 42 0.261% Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm Phoenix Arecaceae 42 0.261% Trachycarpus fortunei Windmill Palm Trachycarpus Arecaceae 38 0.236% Geijera parviflora Australian Willow Geijera Rutaceae 35 0.218% Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine Pinus Pinaceae 35 0.218% Metrosideros excelsa New Zealand Christmas Tree Metrosideros Myrtaceae 33 0.205% Phoenix roebelenii Pygmy Date Palm Phoenix Arecaceae 33 0.205% Eucalyptus polyanthemos Silver Dollar Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 32 0.199% Bauhinia x blakeana Hong Kong Orchid Tree Bauhinia Fabaceae 31 0.193% Fraxinus velutina Arizona Ash Fraxinus Oleaceae 31 0.193% Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Arbutus Ericaceae 30 0.187% Eucalyptus ficifolia Red Flowering Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 30 0.187% Pittosporum undulatum Victorian Box Pittosporum Pittosporaceae 30 0.187% Cercis occidentalis Western Redbud Cercis Fabaceae 29 0.180% Pinus pinea Italian Stone Pine Pinus Pinaceae 29 0.180% Erythrina coralloides Naked Coral Tree Erythrina Fabaceae 28 0.174%

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Botanical Name Common Name Genus Family Total
Count
Species
%
Albizia julibrissin Silk Tree Albizia Fabaceae 27 0.168% Brachychiton acerifolius Australian Flame Tree Brachychiton Malvaceae 27 0.168% Alnus rhombifolia White Alder Alnus Betulaceae 26 0.162% Eucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 26 0.162% Handroanthus chrysotrichus Golden Trumpet Tree Handroanthus Bignoniaceae 26 0.162% Melaleuca quinquenervia Cajeput Tree Melaleuca Myrtaceae 26 0.162% Pinus eldarica Afghan Pine Pinus Pinaceae 25 0.155%
Melaleuca linariifolia Flaxleaf Paperbark Melaleuca Myrtaceae 24 0.149% Populus nigra 'Italica' Lombardy Poplar Populus Salicaceae 23 0.143% x Chitalpa tashkentensis Chitalpa Chitalpa Bignoniaceae 23 0.143% Lagerstroemia indica 'Muskogee' Muskogee Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia Lythraceae 22 0.137% Persea americana Avocado Persea Lauraceae 21 0.131%
Ulmus pumila Siberian Elm Ulmus Ulmaceae 21 0.131%
Chionanthus retusus Chinese Fringe Tree Chionanthus Oleaceae 20 0.124% Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 20 0.124% Eriobotrya japonica Edible Loquat Eriobotrya Rosaceae 19 0.118% Araucaria columnaris Cook Pine Araucaria Araucariaceae 18 0.112% Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud Cercis Fabaceae 18 0.112% Eriobotrya deflexa Bronze Loquat Eriobotrya Rosaceae 18 0.112% Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon Myrtaceae 17 0.106% Cercis canadensis 'Oklahoma' Oklahoma Redbud Cercis Fabaceae 17 0.106% Heptapleurum actinophyllum Queensland Umbrella Tree Heptapleurum Araliaceae 17 0.106% x Rhaphiobotrya splendens
'Montic'
Majestic Beauty Indian
Hawthorn Rhaphiobotrya Rosaceae 17 0.106%
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Red Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 16 0.100% Brahea edulis Guadalupe Palm Brahea Arecaceae 15 0.093% x Hesperotropsis leylandii Leyland Cypress Hesperotropsis Cupressaceae 15 0.093% Agonis flexuosa Peppermint Tree Agonis Myrtaceae 14 0.087% Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Corymbia Myrtaceae 14 0.087% Schinus molle Peruvian Pepper Schinus Anacardiaceae 14 0.087% Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Pink
Dawn' Pink Dawn Chitalpa Chitalpa Bignoniaceae 13 0.081% Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Cupressus Cupressaceae 13 0.081% Olea europaea Olive Olea Oleaceae 12 0.075%
Pinus radiata Monterey Pine Pinus Pinaceae 12 0.075%
Chamaerops humilis Mediterranean Fan Palm Chamaerops Arecaceae 11 0.068% Liquidambar styraciflua
'Rotundiloba' Round-Leafed Sweetgum Liquidambar Altingiaceae 11 0.068% Parkinsonia X 'Desert Museum' Desert Museum Palo Verde Parkinsonia Fabaceae 11 0.068% Podocarpus macrophyllus Yew Pine Podocarpus Podocarpaceae 11 0.068% Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' Purple-Leaf Flowering Plum Prunus Rosaceae 11 0.068% Psidium guajava Guava Psidium Myrtaceae 10 0.062%
Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallow Tree Triadica Euphorbiaceae 10 0.062% Auranticarpa rhombifolia Queensland Pittosporum Auranticarpa Pittosporaceae 9 0.056% Fraxinus velutina 'Modesto' Modesto Ash Fraxinus Oleaceae 8 0.050% Howea forsteriana Paradise Palm Howea Arecaceae 8 0.050% Prunus cerasifera Purple-Leaf Plum Prunus Rosaceae 7 0.044% Prunus persica Peach Prunus Rosaceae 7 0.044%
Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak Quercus Fagaceae 7 0.044% Ravenea rivularis Majesty Palm Ravenea Arecaceae 7 0.044% Zelkova serrata Sawtooth Zelkova Zelkova Ulmaceae 7 0.044% Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay Fig Ficus Moraceae 6 0.037%

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Botanical Name Common Name Genus Family Total
Count
Species
%
Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo Ginkgoaceae 6 0.037% Koelreuteria paniculata Goldenrain Tree Koelreuteria Sapindaceae 6 0.037% Tipuana tipu Tipu Tipuana Fabaceae 6 0.037%
Eucalyptus leucoxylon White Ironbark Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 5 0.031% Handroanthus avellanedae Lavender Trumpet Tree Handroanthus Bignoniaceae 5 0.031% Mangifera indica Mango Mangifera Anacardiaceae 5 0.031% Melaleuca nesophila Pink Melaleuca Melaleuca Myrtaceae 5 0.031% Pistacia 'Red push' Red Push Pistache Pistacia Anacardiaceae 5 0.031% Pittosporum viridiflorum Cape Pittosporum Pittosporum Pittosporaceae 5 0.031% Sequoia sempervirens Coast Redwood Sequoia Cupressaceae 5 0.031% Tabebuia umbellata Yellow Trumpet Tree Tabebuia Bignoniaceae 5 0.031% Acer ginnala Amur Maple Acer Sapindaceae 4 0.025%
Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 4 0.025% Ficus carica Edible Fig Ficus Moraceae 4 0.025%
Hymenosporum flavum Sweetshade Hymenosporum Pittosporaceae 4 0.025% Nerium oleander Oleander Nerium Apocynaceae 4 0.025%
Pithecellobium dulce Guamuchil Pithecellobium Fabaceae 4 0.025% Platycladus orientalis Oriental Arborvitae Platycladus Cupressaceae 4 0.025% Acca sellowiana Pineapple Guava Acca Myrtaceae 3 0.019% Acer buergeranum Trident Maple Acer Sapindaceae 3 0.019% Cedrus deodara Deodar Cedar Cedrus Pinaceae 3 0.019%
Ceratonia siliqua Carob Ceratonia Fabaceae 3 0.019%
Dodonaea viscosa Hopseed Dodonaea Sapindaceae 3 0.019%
Eucalyptus conferruminata Bushy Yate Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 3 0.019% Euphorbia cotinifolia Caribbean Copper Tree Euphorbia Euphorbiaceae 3 0.019% Nageia nagi Asian Bayberry Nageia Podocarpaceae 3 0.019% Pittosporum tobira Mock Orange Pittosporum Pittosporaceae 3 0.019% Quercus suber Cork Oak Quercus Fagaceae 3 0.019%
Searsia lancea African Sumac Searsia Anacardiaceae 3 0.019% Yucca gloriosa Spanish Dagger Yucca Asparagaceae 3 0.019% Acacia melanoxylon Black Acacia Acacia Fabaceae 2 0.012% Acer saccharinum Silver Maple Acer Sapindaceae 2 0.012% Annona cherimola Cherimoya Annona Annonaceae 2 0.012%
Betula pendula European White Birch Betula Betulaceae 2 0.012% Citrus aurantifolia Lime Tree Citrus Rutaceae 2 0.012%
Citrus limon Lemon Citrus Rutaceae 2 0.012%
Dypsis lutescens Areca Palm Dypsis Arecaceae 2 0.012%
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Gleditsia Fabaceae 2 0.012% Inga edulis Ice Cream Bean Inga Fabaceae 2 0.012%
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper Juniperus Cupressaceae 2 0.012% Lagerstroemia indica 'White' White Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia Lythraceae 2 0.012% Myoporum sandwicense Hawaiian Myoporum Myoporum Scrophulariaceae 2 0.012% Prunus armeniaca Apricot Prunus Rosaceae 2 0.012%
Pyracantha coccinea Firethorn Pyracantha Rosaceae 2 0.012% Quercus engelmannii Engelmann Oak Quercus Fagaceae 2 0.012% Salix babylonica Weeping Willow Salix Salicaceae 2 0.012% Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow Salix Salicaceae 2 0.012% Styphnolobium japonicum Japanese Pagoda Tree Styphnolobium Fabaceae 2 0.012% Thuja occidentalis American Arborvitae Thuja Cupressaceae 2 0.012% Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-Oak Allocasuarina Casuarinaceae 1 0.006% Araucaria heterophylla Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria Araucariaceae 1 0.006%

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Botanical Name Common Name Genus Family Total
Count
Species
%
Butia odorata Pindo Palm Butia Arecaceae 1 0.006%
Calocedrus decurrens Incense Cedar Calocedrus Cupressaceae 1 0.006% Calodendrum capense Cape Chestnut Calodendrum Rutaceae 1 0.006% Calothamnus quadrifidus One Sided Bottlebrush Calothamnus Myrtaceae 1 0.006% Caryota urens Fishtail Wine Palm Caryota Arecaceae 1 0.006% Casuarina cunninghamiana River She-Oak Casuarina Casuarinaceae 1 0.006% Celtis occidentalis Northern Hackberry Celtis Cannabaceae 1 0.006% Citrus sinensis Orange Citrus Rutaceae 1 0.006%
Cotinus coggygria Smoke Tree Cotinus Anacardiaceae 1 0.006% Delonix regia Royal Poinciana Delonix Fabaceae 1 0.006% Dodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea' Hopseed Bush Purple Dodonaea Sapindaceae 1 0.006% Duranta repens Brazilian Sky Flower Duranta Verbenaceae 1 0.006% Eucalyptus torquata Coral Gum Eucalyptus Myrtaceae 1 0.006% Ficus elastica Rubber Tree Ficus Moraceae 1 0.006%
Handroanthus impetiginosus Pink Trumpet Tree Handroanthus Bignoniaceae 1 0.006% Heptapleurum calyptratum Tupidanthus Heptapleurum Araliaceae 1 0.006% Hesperocyparis macrocarpa Monterey Cypress Hesperocyparis Cupressaceae 1 0.006% Juglans regia English Walnut Juglans Juglandaceae 1 0.006% Leucaena glauca White Popinac Leucaena Fabaceae 1 0.006% Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' Little Gem Magnolia Magnolia Magnoliaceae 1 0.006% Magnolia x soulangeana Saucer Magnolia Magnolia Magnoliaceae 1 0.006% Malus domestica Edible Apple Malus Rosaceae 1 0.006%
Malus sylvestris Edible Apple Malus Rosaceae 1 0.006%
Melia azedarach Chinaberry Melia Meliaceae 1 0.006%
Moringa oleifera Drumstick Tree Moringa Moringaceae 1 0.006% Nolina gracilis Sotolin Nolina Asparagaceae 1 0.006%
Populus fremontii Fremont Cottonwood Populus Salicaceae 1 0.006% Prunus domestica Plum Prunus Rosaceae 1 0.006%
Prunus ilicifolia ssp lyonii Catalina Cherry Prunus Rosaceae 1 0.006% Prunus serrulata Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus Rosaceae 1 0.006% Psidium friedrichsthalianum Costa Rican Guava Psidium Myrtaceae 1 0.006% Psidium oligospermum Galapagos Guava Psidium Myrtaceae 1 0.006% Quercus virginiana Southern Live Oak Quercus Fagaceae 1 0.006% Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust Robinia Fabaceae 1 0.006% Salix lasiandra Pacific Willow Salix Salicaceae 1 0.006% Strelitzia nicolai Giant Bird Of Paradise Strelitzia Strelitziaceae 1 0.006% Syzygium cumini Java Plum Syzygium Myrtaceae 1 0.006%
Tecoma stans Yellow Elder Tecoma Bignoniaceae 1 0.006%
Yucca elephantipes Giant Yucca Yucca Asparagaceae 1 0.006% Total 16,080 100%
Table 2.9: Current Citywide Live Tree Inventory.

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VACANT SITES
Vacant sites were counted in the inventory report that carry a planting recommendation ‘Plant’, totaling 7,057 sites citywide. About 30% of all valid tree sites are empty, so the urban forest is roughly 70% stocked with live trees. A mapped vacant site in the inventory is an opportunity to plant a tree, not confirmation that a tree can be planted. The implementation of vacant site planting should be followed in the Planting Plan. A field verification of utilities, clearances, and site conditions by the City Tree Maintenance Supervisor remains necessary.

The vacant sites aren't evenly distributed. Most are in Districts 13 (608), 17 (551), and 20 (549), followed by Districts 2, 4, and 1 (roughly 475–520 each). Together, these six districts account for nearly half of all vacant sites. The fewest are in Districts 6 (71), 7 (142), and 21 (163), largely because those districts have fewer suitable planting sites.

District Vacant Sites
1 476
2 517
3 175
4 498
5 318
6 71
7 142
8 341
9 319
10 417
11 378
12 257
13 608
14 185
15 256
16 268
17 551
18 261
19 307
20 549
21 163
Total 7,057
Table 2.10: Distribution of Vacant Sites Across Grid Pruning Districts.

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Figure 2.7: Citywide Vacant Site Map by Grid Pruning Districts.

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TREE INVENTORY BY COUNCIL DISTRICT
The table below allocates the entire Master Inventory of 23,455 sites across the four council districts, categorized as live trees, vacant planting sites, and other sites (dead or declining trees flagged for removal, stumps, and unsuitable or obstructed sites). The final two columns show each district’s share of the total inventory and its vacancy rate.

Council District Live Trees Vacant Sites Other Sites Total Sites % of Inventory
Vacancy
Rate
1 5,328 1,858 121 7,307 31.2% 25.4%
2 2,542 1,265 54 3,861 16.5% 32.8%
3 4,651 2,711 67 7,429 31.7% 36.5%
4 3,559 1,223 76 4,858 20.7% 25.2%
Total 16,080 7,057 318 23,455 100.0% 30.1%
Table 2.11: Distribution of Trees Across Council Districts.

Carson’s 23,455 inventoried tree sites are recorded across four council districts. The inventory comprises 16,080 live trees (68.6%), 7,057 vacant sites (30.1%), and 318 other sites (1.4%). The other sites include dead or declining trees slated for removal, stumps, and unsuitable or obstructed sites. Living trees and vacant sites are unevenly distributed across the districts.

Council District 1 has the most live trees, with 5,328 (33.1% of all live trees), followed by District 3 with 4,651 (28.9%), District 4 with 3,559 (22.1%), and District 2 with the fewest at 2,542 (15.8%).

Vacant sites follow a different pattern. District 3 contains by far the most open sites, with 2,711 (38.4% of all vacancies), ahead of District 1 (1,858; 26.3%), District 2 (1,265; 17.9%), and District 4 (1,223;

17.3%). District 3 alone holds more than a third of all vacant sites in the city.

The remaining 318 sites are concentrated in District 1 (121), followed by District 4 (76), District 3 (67), and District 2 (54). District 1 has the most live trees, stumps, and trees flagged for removal.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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INTRODUCTION TO CANOPY COVER
The valuable benefits that the urban forest provides to the community depend on the species of trees, their age, health, and size at maturity. The amount of shade a tree can provide to reduce heat islands and cool homes and leisure areas is directly related to the area covered by the tree’s canopy. The volume of greenhouse gases and other pollutants removed from the air through the leaves of plants, as part of the photosynthetic process, increases proportionally with canopy size.

The individual canopies of the component trees combine to form the canopy cover of an urban forest.

Analyzing the canopy cover helps the Tree Maintenance Supervisor identify and prioritize planting schedules in areas with gaps in cover. The canopy cover analysis in this section identifies gaps and potential planting sites in the City of Carson Urban Forest as of the time of this plan's development (June 2026). Coverage gaps and potential planting sites are addressed later in this UFMP as part of the Strategic Plan.

METHODOLOGY
Existing multispectral aerial imagery from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) from 2024 (Figure 3.1) was used for the City of Carson Urban Forest canopy cover analysis. The imagery was analyzed by West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) in 2026 using a deep learning U-Net (Pixel Classification) model on 4-band 60 cm NAIP 2024 imagery.

The available data was analyzed using ESRI™ ArcGIS Pro Geographic Information System (GIS) software to create the landcover maps and coverage data presented below. Land cover has been divided into the following categories:
• Canopy Cover – Tree Canopy
• Impervious – Buildings
• Impervious – Roads, Parking, Paved
• Pervious – Bare Soil
• Pervious – Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation
• Water

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CANOPY COVER ANALYSIS
Tree canopy cover for the City of Carson was 5.31% of the total land cover as of 2024, based on the GIS analysis. NAIP imagery is from 2024. (Figure 3.1). Street trees accounted for a large portion of the canopy cover shown in Figure 3.2.

The breakdown by Grid Pruning Districts is shown in Table 3.1 and in Figure 3.3.

Grid Pruning
District
Total District Area
(ft2)
Tree Canopy
Area (ft2)
Canopy Cover
(%)
District 1 7,549,705 1,256,266.99 16.64%
District 2 8,152,536 1,483,273.27 18.19%
District 3 45,602,192 1,698,651.29 3.72%
District 4 45,091,887 2,251,481.25 4.99%
District 5 18,811,014 1,348,739.35 7.17%
District 6 99,263,794 1,846,184.02 1.86%
District 7 14,684,042 582,842.99 3.97%
District 8 15,526,967 766,621.54 4.94%
District 9 14,969,872 990,669.59 6.62%
District 10 14,120,501 996,208.99 7.06%
District 11 17,837,297 806,022.39 4.52%
District 12 27,881,261 1,951,866.66 7.00%
District 13 43,193,296 1,643,984.26 3.81%
District 14 22,983,458 792,780.81 3.45%
District 15 21,474,024 930,699.74 4.33%
District 16 30,438,821 2,162,486.83 7.10%
District 17 42,009,964 3,582,272.58 8.53%
District 18 6,776,786 655,724.95 9.68%
District 19 11,456,496 836,606.84 7.30%
District 20 10,615,718 856,752.04 8.07%
District 21 9,374,948 578,583.09 6.17%
Citywide Total 527,814,579 28,018,719.49 5.31%
Table 3.1: 2024 Canopy Cover by Grid Pruning District.

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Figure 3.1: 2024 NAIP Imagery for the City of Carson

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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Figure 3.2: 2024 Citywide overview of canopy cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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Figure 3.3: 2024 Canopy Cover by Grid Pruning District.

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LAND COVER ANALYSIS
The distribution of land cover classes within the City of Carson is shown in Figure 3.25. Table 3.23 lists the percentage of cover for each cover class by Grid Pruning District.

Grid
Pruning
District
Canopy
Cover –
Tree Cover
Impervious Pervious
Water Buildings
Roads,
Parking,
Paving
Bare Soil
Grass,
Shrubs,
Low
Vegetation
1 16.64% 39.46% 27.51% 1.44% 12.66% 0.15%
2 18.19% 48.41% 21.40% 0.57% 9.34% 0.13%
3 3.72% 45.99% 44.30% 1.01% 2.75% 0.27%
4 4.99% 26.27% 46.87% 10.58% 6.61% 2.98%
5 7.17% 37.04% 37.81% 1.35% 12.51% 2.62%
6 1.86% 35.02% 51.05% 4.15% 3.20% 3.20%
7 3.97% 47.79% 34.82% 3.33% 9.18% 0.18%
8 4.94% 29.66% 44.43% 6.02% 13.18% 0.05%
9 6.62% 45.65% 29.39% 1.93% 15.25% 0.22%
10 7.06% 40.64% 28.95% 1.68% 21.12% 0.15%
11 4.52% 45.18% 32.49% 1.94% 15.36% 0.11%
12 7.00% 37.43% 33.19% 8.30% 11.87% 0.64%
13 3.81% 19.19% 28.75% 15.70% 29.79% 2.03%
14 3.45% 39.87% 46.02% 2.60% 4.40% 1.32%
15 4.33% 44.04% 35.22% 2.02% 12.42% 0.09%
16 7.10% 45.83% 30.72% 2.88% 11.20% 0.13%
17 8.53% 31.11% 33.96% 5.77% 18.60% 0.11%
18 9.68% 43.96% 28.08% 1.11% 15.75% 0.38%
19 7.30% 46.73% 25.88% 1.16% 17.84% 0.19%
20 8.07% 46.61% 26.85% 0.92% 16.12% 0.39%
21 6.17% 42.91% 29.93% 2.48% 17.15% 0.22%
City Total 5.31% 37.02% 38.53% 4.93% 11.44% 1.30%
Table 3.2: Land Cover by Class by Grid Pruning District.

LAND COVER ANALYSIS OVERVIEW
Across 21 grid-pruning districts, the City of Carson spans 527,814,579 ft² and contains 28,018,719.49 ft² of existing tree canopy, yielding a citywide canopy cover of 5.31%. The land surface is predominantly impervious: buildings account for 37.02%, and roads, parking, and paving for 38.53%, for a combined impervious share of 75.55%. Pervious ground is limited, with grass, shrubs, and low vegetation at 11.44% and bare soil at 4.93% (16.37% combined). Water covers 1.30%. Tree canopy (5.31%) and the five reported land-cover classes together account for 98.53% of the city surface, leaving an unclassified/unreported remainder of 1.47%.

The overall relationship is one of extensive built and paved surface set against a comparatively thin layer of pervious ground and canopy. Roughly three-quarters of the city is impervious, while existing tree canopy occupies about one-twentieth of the land area. Because much of the pervious and open ground is concentrated in a small number of districts, citywide averages understate the variation between heavily industrialized districts and the more vegetated residential districts.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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Figure 3.4: 2024 Citywide overview of land cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 1
The canopy cover of 16.64% is far above the citywide 5.31% and ranks second-highest in the city.

Impervious surfaces total roughly 67%, which is moderate for Carson, alongside about 14% of pervious ground. With 477 vacant sites and already-substantial tree cover, the district combines a strong existing canopy with a meaningful opportunity to plant trees.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 16.64%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,256,266.99
Total District Area (ft²) 7,549,705
Vacant Planting Sites 476
Impervious — Buildings 39.46%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 27.51%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.44%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 12.66%
Water 0.15%
Table 3.3: District 1 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.5: District 1 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 2
At 18.19%, canopy cover is the highest in the city, more than triple the citywide average. Buildings dominate the impervious footprint at 48.41%, and pervious ground is comparatively limited, near 10%.

Despite dense development, 523 vacant sites form a large planting inventory. The remaining opportunity lies mainly in the street parkways rather than in open pervious land.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 18.19%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,483,273.27
Total District Area (ft²) 8,152,536
Vacant Planting Sites 517
Impervious — Buildings 48.41%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 21.40%
Pervious — Bare Soil 0.57%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 9.34%
Water 0.13%
Table 3.4: District 2 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.6: District 2 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 3
Canopy cover of 3.72% falls well below the citywide 5.31%. The district is overwhelmingly impervious—buildings and paving combine to 90.29%, the highest in Carson—while pervious ground totals under 4%. Across a very large area (45.6 million ft²), only 175 vacant sites exist, sparse relative to size. Extensive impervious cover and minimal open ground indicate significant physical constraints on planting.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 3.72%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,698,651.29
Total District Area (ft²) 45,602,192
Vacant Planting Sites 175
Impervious — Buildings 45.99%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 44.30%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.01%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 2.75%
Water 0.27%
Table 3.5: District 3 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.7: District 3 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 4
Canopy cover of 4.99% is below the citywide average. Paving is extensive (roads and parking at

46.87%), but the district also has notable pervious ground—10.58% bare soil and 6.61% vegetation— plus the highest water share among districts (2.98%). Across a very large area, 501 vacant sites form a substantial inventory. Despite low canopy cover, the comparatively abundant pervious land suggests potential for canopy expansion.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 4.99%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 2,251,481.25
Total District Area (ft²) 45,091,887
Vacant Planting Sites 498
Impervious — Buildings 26.27%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 46.87%
Pervious — Bare Soil 10.58%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 6.61%
Water 2.98%
Table 3.6: District 4 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.8: District 4 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 5
At 7.17%, canopy cover modestly exceeds the citywide average. Impervious surfaces are split roughly evenly between buildings and paving (about 75% combined), with roughly 14% pervious ground and an above-average water share. The district holds 322 vacant sites, a moderate vacant inventory. Land cover is typical of Carson's developed core, offering incremental rather than expansive planting opportunities.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 7.17%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,348,739.35
Total District Area (ft²) 18,811,014
Vacant Planting Sites 318
Impervious — Buildings 37.04%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 37.81%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.35%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 12.51%
Water 2.62%
Table 3.7: District 5 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.9: District 5 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 6
Canopy cover of 1.86% is the lowest in the entire city. The district is heavily paved—roads and parking alone reach 51.05%—with impervious cover totaling roughly 86% and pervious ground near 7%. Spanning 99.3 million ft², by far the largest district, it holds only 69 vacant sites, the fewest citywide. Extensive impervious land and minimal open ground signal severe physical planting constraints.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 1.86%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,846,184.02
Total District Area (ft²) 99,263,794
Vacant Planting Sites 71
Impervious — Buildings 35.02%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 51.05%
Pervious — Bare Soil 4.15%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 3.20%
Water 3.20%
Table 3.8: District 6 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.10: District 6 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 7
Canopy cover of 3.97% is below the citywide average. Buildings are the largest single component (47.79%), and combined impervious cover reaches about 83%, leaving roughly 12% of the area as pervious ground. With 143 vacant sites in a mid-sized area, the vacant inventory is modest. High impervious coverage and limited open land indicate significant physical constraints.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 3.97%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 582,842.99
Total District Area (ft²) 14,684,042
Vacant Planting Sites 142
Impervious — Buildings 47.79%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 34.82%
Pervious — Bare Soil 3.33%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 9.18%
Water 0.18%
Table 3.9: District 7 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.11: Grid Pruning District 7 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 8
Canopy cover of 4.94% is slightly below the citywide average. The district balances heavy paving (44.43%) with relatively strong vegetated ground (13.18% grass and shrubs) and above-average bare soil. It holds 354 vacant sites, a solid vacant inventory. The mix of moderate pervious land and a substantial number of vacant sites indicates reasonable planting potential despite the modest existing canopy.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 4.94%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 766,621.54
Total District Area (ft²) 15,526,967
Vacant Planting Sites 341
Impervious — Buildings 29.66%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 44.43%
Pervious — Bare Soil 6.02%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 13.18%
Water 0.05%
Table 3.10: District 8 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.12: District 8 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 9
Canopy cover of 6.62% exceeds the citywide average. Buildings dominate impervious cover 45.65%, while grass and shrubs 15.25% give the district above-average vegetated ground. With 322 vacant sites, the vacant inventory is moderate. Established canopy above the citywide mean and reasonable pervious cover suggest steady, incremental planting opportunity.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 6.62%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 990,669.59
Total District Area (ft²) 14,969,872
Vacant Planting Sites 319
Impervious — Buildings 45.65%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 29.39%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.93%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 15.25%
Water 0.22%
Table 3.11: District 9 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.13: District 9 Canopy Cover.

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 10
At 7.06%, canopy cover is above the citywide average. Grass, shrubs, and low vegetation reach

21.12%—among the highest in Carson—while impervious cover is moderate at about 70%. The district holds 421 vacant sites, a large vacant inventory. Strong pervious ground, combined with a substantial vacant site count, indicates strong planting potential.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 7.06%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 996,208.99
Total District Area (ft²) 14,120,501
Vacant Planting Sites 417
Impervious — Buildings 40.64%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 28.95%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.68%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 21.12%
Water 0.15%
Table 3.12: District 10 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.14: District 10 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

44 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 11
Canopy cover of 4.52% is below the citywide average. Buildings account for 45.18% of impervious cover, totaling nearly 78%, offset by roughly 17% of pervious vegetation. With 386 vacant sites, the district maintains a solid vacant inventory. Moderate open ground and a solid vacant site count offer a reasonable opportunity despite the limited current canopy.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 4.52%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 806,022.39
Total District Area (ft²) 17,837,297
Vacant Planting Sites 378
Impervious — Buildings 45.18%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 32.49%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.94%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 15.36%
Water 0.11%
Table 3.13: District 11 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.15: District 11 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

45 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 12
At 7.00%, canopy cover exceeds the citywide average. Land cover is relatively balanced, with 8.30% bare soil above average and moderate vegetation covering roughly 20% of the ground as pervious.

The district has 262 vacant sites. A mix of established canopy and notable open ground suggests moderate planting potential for vacant sites.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 7.00%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,951,866.66
Total District Area (ft²) 27,881,261
Vacant Planting Sites 257
Impervious — Buildings 37.43%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 33.19%
Pervious — Bare Soil 8.30%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 11.87%
Water 0.64%
Table 3.14: District 12 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.16: District 12 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

46 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 13
Canopy cover of 3.81% is well below the citywide average, yet land cover is unusual: impervious surfaces total only 47.94%, the lowest in Carson, while pervious ground reaches 45.49%, including

15.70% bare soil and 29.79% vegetation. With 613 vacant sites, the most of any district this large, this low-canopy district offers exceptional planting opportunities rather than constraints.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 3.81%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 1,643,984.26
Total District Area (ft²) 43,193,296
Vacant Planting Sites 608
Impervious — Buildings 19.19%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 28.75%
Pervious — Bare Soil 15.70%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 29.79%
Water 2.03%
Table 3.15: District 13 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.17: District 13 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

47 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 14
Canopy cover of 3.45% ranks among the lowest in the city. Combined impervious cover reaches

85.89%, with paving alone at 46.02%, leaving only about 7% of the area as pervious ground. Across the district, there are 185 vacant sites, a modest vacant inventory. Very low canopy, extensive impervious cover, and scarce open land together indicate significant physical constraints.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 3.45%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 792,780.81
Total District Area (ft²) 22,983,458
Vacant Planting Sites 185
Impervious — Buildings 39.87%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 46.02%
Pervious — Bare Soil 2.60%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 4.40%
Water 1.32%
Table 3.16: District 14 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.18: District 14 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

48 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 15
Canopy cover of 4.33% is below the citywide average. Buildings and paving together account for roughly 79% impervious cover, with about 14% pervious vegetation. The district holds 258 vacant sites, a moderate vacant inventory. Land cover is characteristic of Carson's built environment, offering incremental planting opportunities within a fairly constrained surface mix.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 4.33%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 930,699.74
Total District Area (ft²) 21,474,024
Vacant Planting Sites 256
Impervious — Buildings 44.04%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 35.22%
Pervious — Bare Soil 2.02%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 12.42%
Water 0.09%
Table 3.17: District 15 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.19: District 15 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

49 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 16
At 7.10%, canopy cover exceeds the citywide average. Buildings dominate impervious cover at

45.83%, which totals about 77%, with roughly 14% pervious ground. The district holds 269 vacant sites. Established canopy above the citywide mean, paired with a moderate vacant site inventory, suggests steady planting opportunities.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 7.10%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 2,162,486.83
Total District Area (ft²) 30,438,821
Vacant Planting Sites 268
Impervious — Buildings 45.83%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 30.72%
Pervious — Bare Soil 2.88%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 11.20%
Water 0.13%
Table 3.18: District 16 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.20: District 16 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

50 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 17
Canopy cover of 8.53% is well above the citywide average and ranks fourth-highest in Carson.

Impervious cover is moderate at about 65%, while grass and shrubs reach 18.60%, yielding above- average pervious ground. With 556 vacant sites, the second-largest inventory across a very large area, the district combines a strong existing canopy with substantial additional planting opportunity.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 8.53%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 3,582,272.58
Total District Area (ft²) 42,009,964
Vacant Planting Sites 551
Impervious — Buildings 31.11%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 33.96%
Pervious — Bare Soil 5.77%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 18.60%
Water 0.11%
Table 3.19: District 17 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.21: District 17 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

51 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 18
Canopy cover of 9.68% is well above the citywide average and ranks third-highest in the city.

Buildings account for 43.96% of impervious cover, with about 17% pervious vegetation. The district is the smallest by area (6.78 million ft²) yet holds 262 vacant sites, a dense vacant inventory relative to size. Strong canopy and ample opportunities indicate high planting potential.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 9.68%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 655,724.95
Total District Area (ft²) 6,776,786
Vacant Planting Sites 261
Impervious — Buildings 43.96%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 28.08%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.11%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 15.75%
Water 0.38%
Table 3.20: District 18 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.22: District 18 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

52 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 19
At 7.30%, canopy cover exceeds the citywide average. Buildings account for 46.73% of impervious cover, and together with other impervious surfaces, they total about 73%, with roughly 19% as pervious vegetation. The district holds 308 vacant sites, a solid vacant inventory. Above average canopy and a reasonable vacant site count together indicate favorable planting opportunities.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 7.30%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 836,606.84
Total District Area (ft²) 11,456,496
Vacant Planting Sites 307
Impervious — Buildings 46.73%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 25.88%
Pervious — Bare Soil 1.16%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 17.84%
Water 0.19%
Table 3.21: District 19 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.23: District 19 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 20
Canopy cover of 8.07% is well above the citywide average. Buildings account for 46.61% of impervious cover, with about 17% pervious ground. Across a relatively compact area, the district holds 550 vacant sites—the third-largest inventory citywide. Strong existing canopy, combined with a large number of vacant sites relative to district size, signals excellent planting potential.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 8.07%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 856,752.04
Total District Area (ft²) 10,615,718
Vacant Planting Sites 549
Impervious — Buildings 46.61%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 26.85%
Pervious — Bare Soil 0.92%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 16.12%
Water 0.39%
Table 3.22: District 20 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.24: District 20 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

54 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 21
Canopy cover of 6.17% exceeds the citywide average. Buildings dominate impervious cover at

42.91%, while grass and shrubs at 17.15% provide above-average vegetated ground. The district holds 172 vacant sites, a relatively small inventory. Established canopy above the citywide mean pairs with a limited vacant site count, suggesting modest incremental opportunity.

Category District Value
Current Canopy Cover 6.17%
Existing Canopy Area (ft²) 578,583.09
Total District Area (ft²) 9,374,948
Vacant Planting Sites 163
Impervious — Buildings 42.91%
Impervious — Roads, Parking, Paving 29.93%
Pervious — Bare Soil 2.48%
Pervious — Grass, Shrubs, Low Vegetation 17.15%
Water 0.22%
Table 3.23: District 21 Canopy Cover and Land Cover Assessment.

Figure 3.25: District 21 Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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DISTRICTS WITH THE LOWEST CANOPY COVER
The five districts with the lowest canopy cover are listed below, starting with the lowest. Low canopy cover alone does not indicate a constraint; instead, the interpretation distinguishes districts with significant open-ground or vacant site potential from those that are physically restricted.

Rank District Canopy % Canopy Area (ft²) District Area (ft²) Vacant Sites 1 District 6 1.86% 1,846,184.02 99,263,794 71
2 District 14 3.45% 792,780.81 22,983,458 185
3 District 3 3.72% 1,698,651.29 45,602,192 175
4 District 13 3.81% 1,643,984.26 43,193,296 608
5 District 7 3.97% 582,842.99 14,684,042 142
Table 3.24: Districts with Low Canopy Cover.

District 6 (1.86%) is the lowest-canopy district and the most physically constrained: it is the largest district (99.3M ft²), roughly 86% impervious, and contains only 69 vacant sites. District 14 (3.45%) and District 3 (3.72%) are likewise heavily impervious (86% and 90%), with scarce open ground and modest vacant inventories, indicating limited expansion capacity. District 7 (3.97%) is similarly constrained, though at a smaller scale. District 13 (3.81%) is the clear exception — despite low canopy, it has the lowest impervious share in the city (47.94%), abundant pervious ground (45.49%), and the largest vacant-site inventory (613), giving it exceptional expansion potential.

DISTRICTS WITH THE HIGHEST CANOPY COVER
Rank District Canopy % Canopy Area (ft²) District Area (ft²) Vacant Sites 1 District 2 18.19% 1,483,273.27 8,152,536 517
2 District 1 16.64% 1,256,266.99 7,549,705 476
3 District 18 9.68% 655,724.95 6,776,786 261
4 District 17 8.53% 3,582,272.58 42,009,964 551
5 District 20 8.07% 856,752.04 10,615,718 549
Table 3.25: Districts with High Canopy Cover.

Districts 2 (18.19%) and 1 (16.64%) significantly surpass other city districts, with canopy coverage roughly three times the citywide average, due to established, mostly residential tree cover on relatively small areas. Districts 18, 17, and 20 range from 8% to 9.7%, still notably above the city average of 5.31%. These districts are characterized by smaller to moderate sizes (except for District 17) and lower impervious surface or greater vegetated ground, enabling denser canopy growth compared to the overall city.

GREATEST VACANT SITE COUNT BY DISTRICT
Rank District Vacant Sites Canopy % Pervious Land Cover Opportunity Interpr. 1 District 13 608 3.81% Bare 15.70% / Grass

29.79%
Very high — large, low-
impervious
2 District 17 551 8.53% Bare 5.77% / Grass

18.60%
High — large area,
strong pervious
3 District 20 549 8.07% Bare 0.92% / Grass

16.12%
High — relative to
compact size
4 District 2 517 18.19% Bare 0.57% / Grass

9.34%
Incremental — canopy
already high
5 District 4 498 4.99% Bare 10.58% / Grass

6.61% Substantial
Table 3.26: Greatest Vacant Site Count by District.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

56 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Vacant site count alone does not indicate the greatest proportional opportunity. District 13 leads in both count (608) and proportional potential: it is a large district with the lowest impervious share and the most pervious ground in the city, so its inventory is well supported by open land. District 4 pairs a substantial count (498) with abundant bare soil across a very large area. District 20 offers a high count relative to its compact size. By contrast, District 2’s large inventory (517) sits atop an already city-leading canopy and limited pervious ground, so its additions are more incremental than transformative.

MOST CONSTRAINED DISTRICTS
Constraints are evaluated through a transparent, multi-factor approach that considers the combined impervious percentage, available pervious ground, vacant site count, current canopy, and district size.

A low canopy by itself is not classified as a constraint.

Rank District Impervious Pervious Vacant Canopy Basis for Ranking 1 District 6 86.07% 7.35% 71 1.86% Largest area; fewest vacant sites
2 District 3 90.29% 3.76% 175 3.72% Highest impervious; least pervious
3 District 14 85.89% 7.00% 185 3.45% High impervious;
scarce open ground
4 District 7 82.61% 12.51% 142 3.97% High impervious; few vacant sites
5 District 15 79.26% 14.44% 256 4.33% Built-out surface mix Table 3.27: Most Constrained Districts.

These five share very high impervious cover, minimal pervious ground, and low canopy. District 6 ranks as the most constrained because its severe impervious cover and the city's largest area are paired with the fewest vacant sites (71). District 3 has the highest impervious share (90.29%) and the least pervious ground (3.76%) in the city. Districts 14, 7, and 15 follow, each built out with limited open land and modest inventories.

Distinguishing among low-canopy districts is essential. District 13 is low-canopy (3.81%) but is NOT constrained. It has the city’s lowest impervious share and the largest vacant inventory (608), representing meaningful planting capacity. Districts 6, 3, and 14 are low-canopy AND physically limited by impervious cover and scarce open ground. Separately, several highly impervious districts nonetheless carry substantial inventoried vacant site counts, notably District 20 (73.46% impervious, 549 sites), District 17 (65.07% impervious, 551 sites), and District 2 (69.81% impervious, 517 sites).

In these districts, opportunity exists chiefly within the street and on parcels rather than on open pervious land.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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CITYWIDE COMPARISON TABLES
Districts Ranked by Canopy Cover (Lowest to Highest)
Rank District Canopy % Canopy Area (ft²) District Area (ft²) 1 District 6 1.86% 1,846,184.02 99,263,794
2 District 14 3.45% 792,780.81 22,983,458
3 District 3 3.72% 1,698,651.29 45,602,192
4 District 13 3.81% 1,643,984.26 43,193,296
5 District 7 3.97% 582,842.99 14,684,042
6 District 15 4.33% 930,699.74 21,474,024
7 District 11 4.52% 806,022.39 17,837,297
8 District 8 4.94% 766,621.54 15,526,967
9 District 4 4.99% 2,251,481.25 45,091,887
10 District 21 6.17% 578,583.09 9,374,948
11 District 9 6.62% 990,669.59 14,969,872
12 District 12 7.00% 1,951,866.66 27,881,261
13 District 10 7.06% 996,208.99 14,120,501
14 District 16 7.10% 2,162,486.83 30,438,821
15 District 5 7.17% 1,348,739.35 18,811,014
16 District 19 7.30% 836,606.84 11,456,496
17 District 20 8.07% 856,752.04 10,615,718
18 District 17 8.53% 3,582,272.58 42,009,964
19 District 18 9.68% 655,724.95 6,776,786
20 District 1 16.64% 1,256,266.99 7,549,705
21 District 2 18.19% 1,483,273.27 8,152,536
Table 3.28: Districts Ranked by Canopy Cover.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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Districts Ranked by Vacant Planting Sites (Greatest to Fewest) Rank District Vacant Sites Canopy % Pervious
(Bare+Grass)
1 District 13 608 3.81% 45.49%
2 District 17 551 8.53% 24.37%
3 District 20 549 8.07% 17.04%
4 District 2 517 18.19% 9.91%
5 District 4 498 4.99% 17.19%
6 District 1 476 16.64% 14.10%
7 District 10 417 7.06% 22.80%
8 District 11 378 4.52% 17.30%
9 District 8 341 4.94% 19.20%
10 District 9 319 6.62% 17.18%
11 District 5 318 7.17% 13.86%
12 District 19 307 7.30% 19.00%
13 District 16 268 7.10% 14.08%
14 District 18 261 9.68% 16.86%
15 District 12 257 7.00% 20.17%
16 District 15 256 4.33% 14.44%
17 District 14 185 3.45% 7.00%
18 District 3 175 3.72% 3.76%
19 District 21 163 6.17% 19.63%
20 District 7 142 3.97% 12.51%
21 District 6 71 1.86% 7.35%
Table 3.29: Vacant Sites Ranked by District.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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Districts Ranked by Combined Impervious Cover (Highest to Lowest) Rank District Impervious Total Buildings Roads/Paving Canopy % 1 District 3 90.29% 45.99% 44.30% 3.72%
2 District 6 86.07% 35.02% 51.05% 1.86%
3 District 14 85.89% 39.87% 46.02% 3.45%
4 District 7 82.61% 47.79% 34.82% 3.97%
5 District 15 79.26% 44.04% 35.22% 4.33%
6 District 11 77.67% 45.18% 32.49% 4.52%
7 District 16 76.55% 45.83% 30.72% 7.10%
8 District 9 75.04% 45.65% 29.39% 6.62%
9 District 5 74.85% 37.04% 37.81% 7.17%
10 District 8 74.09% 29.66% 44.43% 4.94%
11 District 20 73.46% 46.61% 26.85% 8.07%
12 District 4 73.14% 26.27% 46.87% 4.99%
13 District 21 72.84% 42.91% 29.93% 6.17%
14 District 19 72.61% 46.73% 25.88% 7.30%
15 District 18 72.04% 43.96% 28.08% 9.68%
16 District 12 70.62% 37.43% 33.19% 7.00%
17 District 2 69.81% 48.41% 21.40% 18.19%
18 District 10 69.59% 40.64% 28.95% 7.06%
19 District 1 66.97% 39.46% 27.51% 16.64%
20 District 17 65.07% 31.11% 33.96% 8.53%
21 District 13 47.94% 19.19% 28.75% 3.81%
Table 3.30: Impervious Cover Ranked by District.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban or metropolitan areas experience higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas. This occurs because buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and retain heat more than natural landscapes, such as forests and water bodies. As a result, cities become significantly warmer, especially during the evening. The urban heat island effect can lead to increased energy consumption, elevated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and negative impacts on human health and water quality (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2023).

Figure 3.26: Heat Island Effect Diagram (US EPA).

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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POTENTIAL CANOPY GROWTH FROM VACANT SITES
A citywide projection of canopy growth that could be achieved if all inventoried vacant planting sites were planted and trees were maintained over a 10-year period. The projection is based on the following assumptions: each newly planted tree contributes approximately 200 square feet of canopy at 10 years (gross canopy potential), and an 80% survival rate yields approximately 160 square feet of effective canopy per tree (survival-adjusted canopy potential). Potential added canopy cover is calculated as the projected canopy area divided by the total district land area.

District Vacant Sites 10-Yr Gross
Canopy (ft²)
10-Yr Survival-Adj.

Canopy (ft²)
Added Canopy %
(Gross)
Added Canopy %
(Survival-Adj.)
1 476 95,200 76,160 1.26% 1.01%
2 517 103,400 82,720 1.27% 1.01%
3 175 35,000 28,000 0.08% 0.06%
4 498 99,600 79,680 0.22% 0.18%
5 318 63,600 50,880 0.34% 0.27%
6 71 14,200 11,360 0.01% 0.01%
7 142 28,400 22,720 0.19% 0.15%
8 341 68,200 54,560 0.44% 0.35%
9 319 63,800 51,040 0.43% 0.34%
10 417 83,400 66,720 0.59% 0.47%
11 378 75,600 60,480 0.42% 0.34%
12 257 51,400 41,120 0.18% 0.15%
13 608 121,600 97,280 0.28% 0.23%
14 185 37,000 29,600 0.16% 0.13%
15 256 51,200 40,960 0.24% 0.19%
16 268 53,600 42,880 0.18% 0.14%
17 551 110,200 88,160 0.26% 0.21%
18 261 52,200 41,760 0.77% 0.62%
19 307 61,400 49,120 0.54% 0.43%
20 549 109,800 87,840 1.03% 0.83%
21 163 32,600 26,080 0.35% 0.28%
Citywide 7,057 1,411,400 1,129,120 0.27% 0.21%
Table 3.31: 10-Year Canopy Growth Potential by Grid Pruning District.

Council District Vacant Sites 10-Yr Gross
Canopy (ft²)
10-Yr Survival-Adj.

Canopy (ft²)
1 1,858 371,600 297,280
2 1,265 253,000 202,400
3 2,711 542,400 433,760
4 1,223 244,600 195,680
Total 7,057 1,411,400 1,129,120
Table 3.32: 10-Year Canopy Growth Potential by Council District.

If all 7,057 inventoried vacant planting sites across the City of Carson were planted, the gross 10-year canopy potential would be approximately 1,411,400 square feet, equivalent to an added 0.27% of total citywide land area. Applying an 80% survival rate, the survival-adjusted 10-year canopy potential would be approximately 1,129,120 square feet, or an added 0.21% of total citywide land area.

Combined with the existing citywide canopy cover of 5.31%, full planting would raise citywide canopy cover to approximately 5.58% (gross) or 5.52% (survival-adjusted) within ten years.

CANOPY ANALYSIS

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To maintain and grow citywide canopy cover every 10 years, the City of Carson must pair new tree plantings with the preservation of existing mature trees on private and public property. Mature trees provide the highest immediate canopy cover, while young and middle-aged trees represent the current and future canopy. Sustained canopy growth depends on protecting mature trees from avoidable loss and providing the care necessary for younger trees to establish, thrive, and mature over time.

CANOPY GOALS
Increasing overall canopy cover throughout the City of Carson’s Urban Forest is a top priority to maximize the benefits provided to the community. The general canopy cover goal for the City of Carson is to increase canopy cover by 3-5% every 10 years, above the baseline. Canopy cover tends to be dynamic in the urban forest. Mature trees nearing the end of their lifespan, or trees impacted by pests or disease, may begin to decline and will need to be replaced. Young trees take time to develop canopies comparable to those of the trees they are replacing, creating temporary gaps in cover. The canopy cover in areas dominated by young trees will continue to increase as these trees mature.

To achieve a significant long-term increase in overall canopy cover, the following management actions are proposed:
• Replace each large mature tree that is removed at a 4:1 ratio. Additionally, replace any newly planted tree that fails to establish at a 1:1 ratio to ensure sustained canopy growth. • Develop a planting plan, in coordination with the Tree Maintenance Supervisor, to verify vacant sites for planting. Criteria should be established to determine valid planting sites and identify unsuitable sites. There are currently 7,057 vacant planting sites. • Increasing canopy cover by 3% every 10 years. Planting 355 trees per year in vacant sites would take 20 years to reach 7,100 trees. While new trees will not immediately impact canopy cover, consistent planting will yield substantial long-term gains. • Promote tree planting at school sites—focusing on athletic field perimeters and strategic interior locations where trees will not interfere—as well as in commercial and residential construction projects during plan reviews to further expand the urban forest. • Tree preservation of existing mature trees. Mature trees provide the highest immediate canopy cover and environmental benefits. Sustained canopy growth depends on protecting mature trees from avoidable loss and providing the tree care necessary for younger trees to establish, thrive, and mature over time.

Working with residential, industrial, and commercial property owners to encourage the installation of trees in areas that do not conflict with property use. Green roof systems and rooftop tree planters will also increase canopy cover over land areas dominated by buildings, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance environmental benefits for the community.

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Sustainability in an urban forest requires regular, well-planned management. To develop the cohesive guidance structure discussed earlier in the Vision Section, it is essential that the City of Carson has a clear set of operational policies and procedures that will support an urban forest capable of providing the maximum possible benefits for the community. This section of the UFMP evaluates current City operational practices and provides a framework for standardized, efficient operational policies in accordance with ANSI Standards and ISA Best Management Practices.

SPECIAL ZONES, HISTORICAL ZONES, GROVES
Designated heritage trees, historical groves, and official designations for large, mature trees that may have historical significance, be important to the community, have unique structure, or be considered a specimen tree for a particular species may be established by the City of Carson and will require specialized maintenance.

SŌKA SISTER-CITY JAPANESE BLACK PINES
Carson’s urban forest symbolizes both the city’s
environmental past and its enduring international ties
with Sōka, Japan. The sister-city relationship was
officially formed on November 19, 1979, aiming to
foster cultural, educational, civic, sports, and
economic exchanges as well as to enhance friendship
and mutual understanding.

Trees have long served as an enduring symbol of this
relationship. In June 1984, Sōka donated
approximately 10,000 seeds from its designated city
tree to Carson. This historical account identifies the
seeds as Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii),
reflecting Sōka’s connection between its municipal tree and the Japanese Black Pines lining the historic Sōka Matsubara pine avenue. The Japanese Black Pine is a vital symbol of Sōka’s history, culture, and community identity.

In February 1988, a 32-member delegation led by Sōka Mayor Hiroshi Imai visited Carson to mark the city’s 20th anniversary. During the visit, they planted a Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii), officially known as the "Sōka pine" in Sōka’s records. This act created a lasting cultural symbol of the friendship between the two cities.

The commemorative tree remained acknowledged for decades. In September 2019, during the 40th anniversary of the sister-city partnership, Sōka representatives visited Carson to examine the pine planted by the 1988 delegation. This ongoing recognition highlights the historical and cultural importance that individual trees can embody within Carson’s urban forest.

The combined efforts of the 1984 seed donation and the 1988 commemorative planting serve as recognized cultural contributions to Carson’s urban forest. Today, 35 Japanese Black Pines (Pinus thunbergii) are located throughout the city, reflecting the enduring legacy of these efforts. Notably, the pine planted by the 1988 delegation on Del Amo Blvd still stands, serving as a living symbol of international friendship, civic pride, and Carson’s community history.

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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department is committed to providing a safe, clean, and healthy environment for the City of Carson. Through the design, construction, maintenance, and management of the municipal infrastructure, Public Works seeks to enhance the community's overall quality of life.

The Public Works Department oversees 16,080 live trees and 7,057 vacant planting sites located along street rights-of-way, medians, parks, and City facilities. The Urban Forestry Program is carried out by a team that includes one Tree Maintenance Supervisor, one Senior Tree Trimmer, four Assistant Tree Trimmers, and one Equipment Operator, along with support from 8 full-time contract staff. The department manages a three-year grid pruning cycle for 13,882 trees and an annual cycle for 2,198 palms, figs, elms, and coral trees. It also handles service requests, removals, inspections, and the planting and care of new trees.

Trees that are cut down for necessity are processed into wood chips and used in various locations throughout the City. These wood chips provide attractive ground cover and help control weed growth.

Mulch also conserves water and supports beneficial soil bioactivity, thereby improving tree health and resilience.

City trees fall into three categories:
• Street / Parkway
• Median
• Park / Facility
The Supervisor works closely with the tree contractor to map every City-owned tree and record all inspections and work for each tree. Data is collected annually, and all tree categories are updated on a three-year cycle.

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Where practical and financially feasible, the City of Carson maintains the trees in the Urban Forest according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices. The City of Carson Tree Maintenance Program presented in this section includes tree inspections, scheduled grid pruning, out of cycle pruning, and tree removals. Removals are, whenever possible, followed up with replacement tree planting.

TREE INSPECTIONS
Regular inspection of the trees in the City of Carson Urban Forest is an essential component of the maintenance program. Prior to any scheduled maintenance work, each tree should be inspected by the City Tree Maintenance Supervisor for structural defects, dead or broken branches, and signs of stress, decline, pests, or disease. If any of these issues are observed, the condition will be recorded in the electronic inventory system for the individual site, and the tree will be referred to the contractor, for additional inspection, as required. If the tree is scheduled for pruning or a service request for pruning has been made, the inspector will determine whether pruning is required.

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GRID PRUNING SCHEDULE
Proper pruning improves a tree's health by removing dead, diseased, injured, broken, or crowded branches and by improving overall branch structure. Well-maintained trees are less susceptible to disease and pest infestations, and they reduce the likelihood of whole-tree and limb failures.

The required intervals for regular pruning depend on the growth characteristics of individual tree species. Fast-growing species such as Ficus, elms, and corals require annual pruning to reduce overextended branches, which are more susceptible to limb failure. For palm trees, senescence of lower fronds and annual fruit production for palms necessitate an annual pruning cycle as well. The remaining tree species require less maintenance and are in areas with lower occupancy rates, which is more appropriate for the standard three-year grid pruning cycle. The districts included in each year of the three-year pruning cycle are listed in Table 4.1 (annual-pruning species excluded).

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
District 4 (976 trees) District 14 (547 trees) District 8 (487 trees) District 17 (987 trees) District 16 (1,027 trees) District 9 (596 trees) District 18 (657 trees) District 12 (832 trees) District 10 (840 trees) District 19 (872 trees) District 1 (346 trees) District 11 (525 trees) District 20 (810 trees) District 2 (601 trees) District 13 (847 trees) District 21 (407 trees) District 5 (385 trees) District 3 (460 trees) District 15 (574 trees) District 7 (195 trees) District 6 (337 trees) Total Year 1:
5,283
Total Year 2:
3,933
Total Year 3:
4,092
Table 4.1: Three-Year Pruning Cycle by Grid Pruning Districts.

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ANNUAL PRUNING SPECIES MATRIX
The species listed in Table 4.2 are recommended for annual pruning to remove fruit, senesced fronds (palms only), and to reduce overextended limbs and the risk of limb and whole-tree failures. These trees will be pruned annually, in addition to the Grid Pruning schedule. The current (July 2026) distribution map of annual pruning species is shown in Figure 4.1.

Species (Common / Botanical) D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16 D17 D18 D19 D20 D21 Total Guadalupe Palm (Brahea edulis) 5 4 2 3 1 15 Pindo Palm (Butia odorata) 1 1
Fishtail Wine Palm (Caryota urens) 1 1 Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) 1 10 11 Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) 2 2
South African Coral Tree (Erythrina caffra) 39 9 2 11 7 16 3 6 93 Naked Coral Tree (Erythrina coralloides) 1 2 3 1 3 14 1 3 28 Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) 12 18 7 7 8 17 8 3 19 8 21 5 23 10 8 11 4 2 11 6 208 Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) 1 5 6 Paradise Palm (Howea forsteriana) 8 8 Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) 5 1 3 3 2 3 5 2 1 1 6 2 1 4 3 42 Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) 20 11 9 13 10 15 13 91 Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) 4 4 11 5 2 3 4 33 Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis) 3 1 2 1 7 Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum) 22 36 1 92 19 86 7 36 49 62 28 22 4 4 12 128 2 11 9 24 654 Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) 2 2 7 2 4 1 4 8 4 2 2 38 Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) 10 21 1 56 1 4 1 30 6 12 2 5 14 2 3 168 Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila) 4 2 3 2 9 1 21 California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 5 1 15 1 26 62 Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) 7 25 6 110 11 5 20 2 8 16 22 11 20 99 22 19 248 10 15 9 24 709 Total Number of Trees 64 107 8 337 52 13 138 29 60 150 132 99 77 144 59 61 454 41 34 44 95 2,198 Table 4.2: Breakdown of Annual Pruning Tree Species by Grid Pruning District.

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ANNUAL PRUNING SPECIES CATEGORIES
These categories include 2,198 trees that require annual pruning (palms, ficus, elms, and coral trees) across the entire City of Carson.

Location Trees % Total
Street / Parkway Trees 1,871 85.1%
Median Trees 124 5.6%
Park / Facility Trees 203 9.2%
TOTAL 2,198 100.0%

DSH Class Trees % Total
0 – 6" 11 0.5%
7 – 15" 711 32.3%
16+ " 1,476 67.2%
TOTAL 2,198 100.0%

Tree Condition Trees % Total
Good 1,261 57.4%
Fair 901 41.0%
Poor 36 1.6%
TOTAL 2,198 100.0%

Overhead Utility Trees % Total
Yes 258 11.7%
No 1,940 88.3%
TOTAL 2,198 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICTS OVERVIEW
This inventory overview summarizes the distribution of 16,080 live trees within the Carson 21 grid pruning districts, differentiating between species pruned annually and those assigned to specific pruning cycles.

District Total Live
Trees
Annual-
Pruning
(Excluded)
Grid-
Pruning
Trees
Street /
Parkway Median Park /
Facility
Cycle
Year
1 421 64 357 355 2 0 2
2 759 107 652 577 0 75 2
3 473 8 465 465 0 0 3
4 1,452 337 1,115 850 94 171 1
5 494 52 442 263 44 135 2
6 377 13 364 137 114 113 3
7 346 138 208 194 14 0 2
8 518 29 489 418 71 0 3
9 666 60 606 351 58 197 3
10 1,016 150 866 676 82 108 3
11 697 132 565 555 10 0 3
12 954 99 855 664 106 85 2
13 989 77 912 609 115 188 3
14 691 144 547 446 101 0 2
15 637 59 578 462 110 6 1
16 1,097 61 1,036 649 12 375 2
17 1,454 454 1,000 834 166 0 1
18 702 41 661 468 7 186 1
19 945 34 911 886 25 0 1
20 858 44 814 601 104 109 1
21 534 95 439 247 129 63 1
Total 16,080 2,198 13,882 10,707 1,364 1,811 —
Table 4.3: Overview of Grid Pruning Districts

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 1
Grid Pruning District 1

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 2.2% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D1

357
Grid Pruning Trees
355
Street / Parkway
2 Median Trees
0 Park Trees

49 Tree Species
#1 Lagerstroemia indica
63 trees · 17.6% of the district
#2 Pinus canariensis
43 trees · 12.0% of the district
#3 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
42 trees · 11.8% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 355 99.4%
Median Trees 2 0.6%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 357 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 13 3.6%
7 – 15" 130 36.4%
16+" 214 59.9%
TOTAL 357 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 323 90.5%
Fair 24 6.7%
Poor 10 2.8%
TOTAL 357 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 52 14.6%
No 305 85.4%
TOTAL 357 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 2
Grid Pruning District 2

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 4.1% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D2

652
Grid Pruning Trees
577
Street / Parkway
0 Median Trees
75 Park Trees

57 Tree Species
#1 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
98 trees · 15.0% of the district
#2 Corymbia citriodora
84 trees · 12.9% of the district
#3 Magnolia grandiflora
72 trees · 11.0% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 577 88.5%
Median Trees 0 0.0%
Park / Facility Trees 75 11.5%
TOTAL 652 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Dominguez Park 75 100.0%
TOTAL 75 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 31 4.8%
7 – 15" 207 31.7%
16+" 414 63.5%
TOTAL 652 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 557 85.4%
Fair 82 12.6%
Poor 13 2.0%
TOTAL 652 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 43 6.6%
No 609 93.4%
TOTAL 652 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 3
Grid Pruning District 3

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 2.9% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D3

465
Grid Pruning Trees
465
Street / Parkway
0 Median Trees
0 Park Trees

35 Tree Species
#1 Afrocarpus falcatus
109 trees · 23.4% of the district
#2 Pinus canariensis
87 trees · 18.7% of the district
#3 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
56 trees · 12.0% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 465 100.0%
Median Trees 0 0.0%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 465 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 5 1.1%
7 – 15" 110 23.7%
16+" 350 75.3%
TOTAL 465 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 424 91.2%
Fair 36 7.7%
Poor 5 1.1%
TOTAL 465 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 212 45.6%
No 253 54.4%
TOTAL 465 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 4
Grid Pruning District 4

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 6.9% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D4

1,115
Grid Pruning Trees
850
Street / Parkway
94 Median Trees
171
Park Trees

64 Tree Species
#1 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
170 trees · 15.2% of the district
#2 Ficus microcarpa 'Nitida'
129 trees · 11.6% of the district
#3 Jacaranda mimosifolia
101 trees · 9.1% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 850 76.2%
Median Trees 94 8.4%
Park / Facility Trees 171 15.3%
TOTAL 1,115 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Dolphin Park 134 78.4%
Perry St Mini Park 37 21.6%
TOTAL 171 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 65 5.8%
7 – 15" 426 38.2%
16+" 624 56.0%
TOTAL 1,115 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 916 82.2%
Fair 165 14.8%
Poor 34 3.0%
TOTAL 1,115 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 221 19.8%
No 894 80.2%
TOTAL 1,115 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 5
Grid Pruning District 5

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 2.7% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D5

442
Grid Pruning Trees
263
Street / Parkway
44 Median Trees
135
Park Trees

38 Tree Species
#1 Ficus microcarpa 'Nitida'
56 trees · 12.7% of the district
#2 Lagerstroemia indica
48 trees · 10.9% of the district
#3 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
46 trees · 10.4% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 263 59.5%
Median Trees 44 10.0%
Park / Facility Trees 135 30.5%
TOTAL 442 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Calas Park 133 98.5%
Friendship Mini Park 2 1.5%
TOTAL 135 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 6 1.4%
7 – 15" 141 31.9%
16+" 295 66.7%
TOTAL 442 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 378 85.5%
Fair 58 13.1%
Poor 6 1.4%
TOTAL 442 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 113 25.6%
No 329 74.4%
TOTAL 442 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 6
Grid Pruning District 6

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 2.3% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D6

364
Grid Pruning Trees
137
Street / Parkway
114
Median Trees
113
Park Trees

24 Tree Species
#1 Jacaranda mimosifolia
93 trees · 25.5% of the district
#2 Liquidambar styraciflua
71 trees · 19.5% of the district
#3 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
47 trees · 12.9% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 137 37.6%
Median Trees 114 31.3%
Park / Facility Trees 113 31.0%
TOTAL 364 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Sepulveda Pocket Park 113 100.0%
TOTAL 113 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 99 27.2%
7 – 15" 192 52.7%
16+" 73 20.1%
TOTAL 364 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 185 50.8%
Fair 137 37.6%
Poor 42 11.5%
TOTAL 364 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 114 31.3%
No 250 68.7%
TOTAL 364 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 7
Grid Pruning District 7

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 1.3% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D7

208
Grid Pruning Trees
194
Street / Parkway
14 Median Trees
0 Park Trees

33 Tree Species
#1 Lophostemon confertus
31 trees · 14.9% of the district
#2 Afrocarpus falcatus
24 trees · 11.5% of the district
#3 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
18 trees · 8.7% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 194 93.3%
Median Trees 14 6.7%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 208 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 7 3.4%
7 – 15" 90 43.3%
16+" 111 53.4%
TOTAL 208 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 116 55.8%
Fair 87 41.8%
Poor 5 2.4%
TOTAL 208 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 18 8.7%
No 190 91.3%
TOTAL 208 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 8
Grid Pruning District 8

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 3.0% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D8

489
Grid Pruning Trees
418
Street / Parkway
71 Median Trees
0 Park Trees

26 Tree Species
#1 Liquidambar styraciflua
67 trees · 13.7% of the district
#2 Schinus terebinthifolius
51 trees · 10.4% of the district
#3 Lophostemon confertus
46 trees · 9.4% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 418 85.5%
Median Trees 71 14.5%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 489 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 147 30.1%
7 – 15" 236 48.3%
16+" 106 21.7%
TOTAL 489 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 353 72.2%
Fair 120 24.5%
Poor 16 3.3%
TOTAL 489 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 104 21.3%
No 385 78.7%
TOTAL 489 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 9
Grid Pruning District 9

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 3.8% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D9

606
Grid Pruning Trees
351
Street / Parkway
58 Median Trees
197
Park Trees

38 Tree Species
#1 Eucalyptus sideroxylon
82 trees · 13.5% of the district
#2 Jacaranda mimosifolia
63 trees · 10.4% of the district
#3 Cassia leptophylla
48 trees · 7.9% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 351 57.9%
Median Trees 58 9.6%
Park / Facility Trees 197 32.5%
TOTAL 606 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Veterans Park 197 100.0%
TOTAL 197 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 26 4.3%
7 – 15" 231 38.1%
16+" 349 57.6%
TOTAL 606 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 52 8.6%
Fair 504 83.2%
Poor 50 8.3%
TOTAL 606 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 194 32.0%
No 412 68.0%
TOTAL 606 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 10
Grid Pruning District 10

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 5.4% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D10

866
Grid Pruning Trees
676
Street / Parkway
82 Median Trees
108
Park Trees

49 Tree Species
#1 Jacaranda mimosifolia
195 trees · 22.5% of the district
#2 Magnolia grandiflora
134 trees · 15.5% of the district
#3 Afrocarpus falcatus
107 trees · 12.4% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 676 78.1%
Median Trees 82 9.5%
Park / Facility Trees 108 12.5%
TOTAL 866 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Foisia Park 108 100.0%
TOTAL 108 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 21 2.4%
7 – 15" 258 29.8%
16+" 587 67.8%
TOTAL 866 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 570 65.8%
Fair 273 31.5%
Poor 23 2.7%
TOTAL 866 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 60 6.9%
No 806 93.1%
TOTAL 866 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 11
Grid Pruning District 11

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 3.5% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D11

565
Grid Pruning Trees
555
Street / Parkway
10 Median Trees
0 Park Trees

57 Tree Species
#1 Jacaranda mimosifolia
72 trees · 12.7% of the district
#2 Afrocarpus falcatus
61 trees · 10.8% of the district
#3 Schinus terebinthifolius
60 trees · 10.6% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 555 98.2%
Median Trees 10 1.8%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 565 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 60 10.6%
7 – 15" 231 40.9%
16+" 274 48.5%
TOTAL 565 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 399 70.6%
Fair 142 25.1%
Poor 24 4.2%
TOTAL 565 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 76 13.5%
No 489 86.5%
TOTAL 565 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 12
Grid Pruning District 12

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 5.3% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D12

855
Grid Pruning Trees
664
Street / Parkway
106
Median Trees
85 Park Trees

52 Tree Species
#1 Afrocarpus falcatus
100 trees · 11.7% of the district
#2 Pinus canariensis
97 trees · 11.3% of the district
#3 Liquidambar styraciflua
93 trees · 10.9% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 664 77.7%
Median Trees 106 12.4%
Park / Facility Trees 85 9.9%
TOTAL 855 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Carriage Crest Park 85 100.0%
TOTAL 85 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 112 13.1%
7 – 15" 302 35.3%
16+" 441 51.6%
TOTAL 855 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 548 64.1%
Fair 278 32.5%
Poor 29 3.4%
TOTAL 855 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 253 29.6%
No 602 70.4%
TOTAL 855 100.0%

URBAN FOREST OPERATIONS

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 13
Grid Pruning District 13

 Pruning Cycle Year 3

 5.7% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D13

912
Grid Pruning Trees
609
Street / Parkway
115
Median Trees
188
Park Trees

62 Tree Species
#1 Afrocarpus falcatus
112 trees · 12.3% of the district
#2 Platanus racemosa
101 trees · 11.1% of the district
#3 Handroanthus heptaphyllus
87 trees · 9.5% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 609 66.8%
Median Trees 115 12.6%
Park / Facility Trees 188 20.6%
TOTAL 912 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Carson Park 177 94.1%
Reflection Mini Park 11 5.9%
TOTAL 188 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 124 13.6%
7 – 15" 502 55.0%
16+" 286 31.4%
TOTAL 912 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 818 89.7%
Fair 87 9.5%
Poor 7 0.8%
TOTAL 912 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 169 18.5%
No 743 81.5%
TOTAL 912 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 14
Grid Pruning District 14

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 3.4% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D14

547
Grid Pruning Trees
446
Street / Parkway
101
Median Trees
0 Park Trees

22 Tree Species
#1 Afrocarpus falcatus
108 trees · 19.7% of the district
#2 Liquidambar styraciflua
75 trees · 13.7% of the district
#3 Lophostemon confertus
73 trees · 13.3% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 446 81.5%
Median Trees 101 18.5%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 547 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 71 13.0%
7 – 15" 322 58.9%
16+" 154 28.2%
TOTAL 547 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 80 14.6%
Fair 459 83.9%
Poor 8 1.5%
TOTAL 547 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 300 54.8%
No 247 45.2%
TOTAL 547 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 15
Grid Pruning District 15

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 3.6% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D15

578
Grid Pruning Trees
462
Street / Parkway
110
Median Trees
6 Park Trees

38 Tree Species
#1 Prunus caroliniana
90 trees · 15.6% of the district
#2 Afrocarpus falcatus
72 trees · 12.5% of the district
#3 Lophostemon confertus
67 trees · 11.6% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 462 79.9%
Median Trees 110 19.0%
Park / Facility Trees 6 1.0%
TOTAL 578 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Walnut Mini Park 6 100.0%
TOTAL 6 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 49 8.5%
7 – 15" 193 33.4%
16+" 336 58.1%
TOTAL 578 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 102 17.6%
Fair 466 80.6%
Poor 10 1.7%
TOTAL 578 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 191 33.0%
No 387 67.0%
TOTAL 578 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 16
Grid Pruning District 16

 Pruning Cycle Year 2

 6.4% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D16

1,036
Grid Pruning Trees
649
Street / Parkway
12 Median Trees
375
Park Trees

51 Tree Species
#1 Jacaranda mimosifolia
218 trees · 21.0% of the district
#2 Eucalyptus rudis
85 trees · 8.2% of the district
#3 Afrocarpus falcatus
77 trees · 7.4% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 649 62.6%
Median Trees 12 1.2%
Park / Facility Trees 375 36.2%
TOTAL 1,036 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Hemingway Park 196 52.3%
Stevenson Park 179 47.7%
TOTAL 375 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 21 2.0%
7 – 15" 309 29.8%
16+" 706 68.1%
TOTAL 1,036 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 188 18.1%
Fair 776 74.9%
Poor 72 6.9%
TOTAL 1,036 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 167 16.1%
No 869 83.9%
TOTAL 1,036 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 17
Grid Pruning District 17

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 6.2% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D17

1,000
Grid Pruning Trees
834
Street / Parkway
166
Median Trees
0 Park Trees

42 Tree Species
#1 Liquidambar styraciflua
381 trees · 38.1% of the district
#2 Pinus canariensis
100 trees · 10.0% of the district
#3 Pistacia chinensis
75 trees · 7.5% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 834 83.4%
Median Trees 166 16.6%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 1,000 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 140 14.0%
7 – 15" 522 52.2%
16+" 338 33.8%
TOTAL 1,000 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 248 24.8%
Fair 715 71.5%
Poor 37 3.7%
TOTAL 1,000 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 146 14.6%
No 854 85.4%
TOTAL 1,000 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 18
Grid Pruning District 18

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 4.1% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D18

661
Grid Pruning Trees
468
Street / Parkway
7 Median Trees
186
Park Trees

41 Tree Species
#1 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
129 trees · 19.5% of the district
#2 Lophostemon confertus
81 trees · 12.3% of the district
#3 Callistemon citrinus
80 trees · 12.1% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 468 70.8%
Median Trees 7 1.1%
Park / Facility Trees 186 28.1%
TOTAL 661 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Anderson Park 186 100.0%
TOTAL 186 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 11 1.7%
7 – 15" 177 26.8%
16+" 473 71.6%
TOTAL 661 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 305 46.1%
Fair 316 47.8%
Poor 40 6.1%
TOTAL 661 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 25 3.8%
No 636 96.2%
TOTAL 661 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 19
Grid Pruning District 19

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 5.7% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D19

911
Grid Pruning Trees
886
Street / Parkway
25 Median Trees
0 Park Trees

42 Tree Species
#1 Lophostemon confertus
203 trees · 22.3% of the district
#2 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
110 trees · 12.1% of the district
#3 Magnolia grandiflora
84 trees · 9.2% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 886 97.3%
Median Trees 25 2.7%
Park / Facility Trees 0 0.0%
TOTAL 911 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
— 0 0.0%
TOTAL 0 0.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 169 18.6%
7 – 15" 262 28.8%
16+" 480 52.7%
TOTAL 911 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 490 53.8%
Fair 383 42.0%
Poor 38 4.2%
TOTAL 911 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 57 6.3%
No 854 93.7%
TOTAL 911 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 20
Grid Pruning District 20

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 5.1% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D20

814
Grid Pruning Trees
601
Street / Parkway
104
Median Trees
109
Park Trees

51 Tree Species
#1 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
208 trees · 25.6% of the district
#2 Pinus canariensis
110 trees · 13.5% of the district
#3 Lagerstroemia indica
99 trees · 12.2% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 601 73.8%
Median Trees 104 12.8%
Park / Facility Trees 109 13.4%
TOTAL 814 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Mill Park 109 100.0%
TOTAL 109 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 28 3.4%
7 – 15" 323 39.7%
16+" 463 56.9%
TOTAL 814 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 506 62.2%
Fair 289 35.5%
Poor 19 2.3%
TOTAL 814 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 58 7.1%
No 756 92.9%
TOTAL 814 100.0%

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GRID PRUNING DISTRICT 21
Grid Pruning District 21

 Pruning Cycle Year 1

 2.7% of the city-wide tree inventory

*Excludes annual pruning species
D21

439
Grid Pruning Trees
247
Street / Parkway
129
Median Trees
63 Park Trees

32 Tree Species
#1 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
59 trees · 13.4% of the district
#2 Liquidambar styraciflua
59 trees · 13.4% of the district
#3 Lagerstroemia indica
50 trees · 11.4% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 247 56.3%
Median Trees 129 29.4%
Park / Facility Trees 63 14.4%
TOTAL 439 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Del Amo Park 63 100.0%
TOTAL 63 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 55 12.5%
7 – 15" 163 37.1%
16+" 221 50.3%
TOTAL 439 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 61 13.9%
Fair 343 78.1%
Poor 35 8.0%
TOTAL 439 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 128 29.2%
No 311 70.8%
TOTAL 439 100.0%

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OUT OF CYCLE PRUNING
Out-of-cycle pruning is typically conducted in response to resident requests or recommendations from the Tree Maintenance Supervisor. When an out-of-cycle pruning request is received, the Tree Maintenance Supervisor will inspect the tree or assign an outside ISA Certified Arborist contractor to inspect the tree to determine if the requested pruning can be completed without adversely impacting the health and structure of the tree. If, after inspection, it is determined that the requested pruning is necessary and will not have adverse impacts on the tree, the Tree Maintenance Supervisor shall assign the work to the appropriate crew or outside contractor. The request and notification of work completed will be logged on the tree site in the Electronic Inventory System.

TREE REMOVALS
The removal of dead, dying, or hazardous trees is a necessary element to maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest. As living organisms, trees have a finite lifespan and will eventually decline and die. Trees planted in spaces too small for the species will eventually outgrow the space and decline or damage the surrounding hardscape. Removal should be considered the final option for trees in the City of Carson, once other alternatives have been ruled out. An ISA Certified Arborist shall inspect each tree proposed for removal and provide a written report with recommendations to the Tree Maintenance Supervisor, also an ISA Certified Arborist, as required by the job description. The arborist report will be attached to the tree site in the Electronic Inventory System. Approval from the Tree Maintenance Supervisor is required prior to any tree removal, with the exception of trees that are removed as part of an Emergency Response.

The removal will be noted in the Electronic Inventory System once work is completed. To the extent possible, the stump of removed trees and all major roots should be removed by hand or using a stump grinder. Replacement species should be selected from the Approved Tree Palette based on the available space and the desired form and function of the planting site. Replacement with the same species or a species susceptible to the same disease is not recommended if the tree was removed due to a soil-borne disease. The Tree Maintenance Supervisor should consult with an ISA Certified Arborist during the tree selection process to determine the appropriate replacement species in these cases.

COUNCIL DISTRICTS INVENTORY OVERVIEW
The City of Carson Urban Forest contains 16,080 trees recommended for grid pruning, primarily along streets and parkways. Council District 1 has the most trees, but they are mostly in fair condition, whereas Council Districts 3 and 4 have the healthiest trees. The most common species include Liquidambar styraciflua, Jacaranda mimosifolia, and Afrocarpus falcatus.

Council District Total Trees Street / Parkway Median Park / Facility 1 5,328 4,343 572 413
2 2,542 1,784 259 499
3 4,651 3,626 292 733
4 3,559 2,825 365 369
Total 16,080 12,578 1,488 2,014
Table 4.4: Overview of Council Districts.

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Council District 1
Council District 1

 33.1% of the city-wide tree inventory
CD1

5,328
Total Trees
4,343
Street / Parkway
572
Median Trees
413
Park Trees

111
Tree Species
#1 Liquidambar styraciflua
569 trees · 10.7% of the district
#2 Lophostemon confertus
435 trees · 8.2% of the district
#3 Afrocarpus falcatus
429 trees · 8.1% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 4,343 81.5%
Median Trees 572 10.7%
Park / Facility Trees 413 7.8%
TOTAL 5,328 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Hemingway Park 211 51.1%
Stevenson Park 185 44.8%
Walnut Mini Park 17 4.1%
TOTAL 413 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 529 9.9%
7 – 15" 2,128 39.9%
16+" 2,671 50.1%
TOTAL 5,328 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 1,659 31.1%
Fair 3,478 65.3%
Poor 191 3.6%
TOTAL 5,328 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 1,138 21.4%
No 4,190 78.6%
TOTAL 5,328 100.0%

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Council District 2
Council District 2

 15.8% of the city-wide tree inventory
CD2

2,542
Total Trees
1,784
Street / Parkway
259
Median Trees
499
Park Trees

106
Tree Species
#1 Liquidambar styraciflua
208 trees · 8.2% of the district
#2 Jacaranda mimosifolia
179 trees · 7.0% of the district
#3 Afrocarpus falcatus
164 trees · 6.5% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 1,784 70.2%
Median Trees 259 10.2%
Park / Facility Trees 499 19.6%
TOTAL 2,542 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Veterans Park 214 42.9%
Carson Park 189 37.9%
Carriage Crest Park 85 17.0%
Reflection Mini Park 11 2.2%
TOTAL 499 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 301 11.8%
7 – 15" 1,065 41.9%
16+" 1,176 46.3%
TOTAL 2,542 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 1,457 57.3%
Fair 989 38.9%
Poor 96 3.8%
TOTAL 2,542 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 542 21.3%
No 2,000 78.7%
TOTAL 2,542 100.0%

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Council District 3
Council District 3

 28.9% of the city-wide tree inventory
CD3

4,651
Total Trees
3,626
Street / Parkway
292
Median Trees
733
Park Trees

133
Tree Species
#1 Cupaniopsis anacardioides
742 trees · 16.0% of the district
#2 Pinus canariensis
385 trees · 8.3% of the district
#3 Lagerstroemia indica
329 trees · 7.1% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 3,626 78.0%
Median Trees 292 6.3%
Park / Facility Trees 733 15.8%
TOTAL 4,651 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Anderson Park 215 29.3%
Calas Park 152 20.7%
Dolphin Park 136 18.6%
Mill Park 114 15.6%
Dominguez Park 77 10.5%
Perry St Mini Park 37 5.0%
Friendship Mini Park 2 0.3%
TOTAL 733 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 161 3.5%
7 – 15" 1,486 32.0%
16+" 3,004 64.6%
TOTAL 4,651 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 3,386 72.8%
Fair 1,125 24.2%
Poor 140 3.0%
TOTAL 4,651 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 800 17.2%
No 3,851 82.8%
TOTAL 4,651 100.0%

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Council District 4
Council District 4

 22.1% of the city-wide tree inventory
CD4

3,559
Total Trees
2,825
Street / Parkway
365
Median Trees
369
Park Trees

112
Tree Species
#1 Jacaranda mimosifolia
447 trees · 12.6% of the district
#2 Afrocarpus falcatus
345 trees · 9.7% of the district
#3 Syagrus romanzoffianum
194 trees · 5.5% of the district

DISTRICT TREE COUNT BY LOCATION
Location Tree Count % of District
Street / Parkway Trees 2,825 79.4%
Median Trees 365 10.3%
Park / Facility Trees 369 10.4%
TOTAL 3,559 100.0%

PARK TREES BY FACILITY
Park / Facility Name Trees % of District
Foisia Park 143 38.8%
Sepulveda Pocket Park 118 32.0%
Del Amo Park 108 29.3%
TOTAL 369 100.0%

DSH CLASS TREE CONDITION OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES DSH Class Trees %
Total
0 – 6" 280 7.9%
7 – 15" 1,359 38.2%
16+" 1,920 53.9%
TOTAL 3,559 100.0%

Tree
Condition Trees %
Total
Good 2,378 66.8%
Fair 1,049 29.5%
Poor 132 3.7%
TOTAL 3,559 100.0%

Overhead
Utility Trees %
Total
Yes 479 13.5%
No 3,080 86.5%
TOTAL 3,559 100.0%

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Council District Map

Figure 4.1: Map of the City of Carson Council Districts.

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STANDARDS AND BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
To the extent possible, all tree maintenance work within the City of Carson should be conducted in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Tree Care Standards and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices (BMPs). The ANSI Standards and ISA BMPs are summarized throughout this UFMP and included in Appendix B for reference.

PLANT HEALTH CARE
Plant health care is an integrated process that begins with appropriate species selection based on the size and location of the planting site, selection of healthy nursery stock with good branch and root structure, proper installation practices (planting and staking), and regular, systematic maintenance (watering and structural pruning for young trees, regular pruning for established trees). Appropriately selected trees with adequate growing conditions and proper maintenance are more resilient to environmental stresses and have the necessary resources to resist or tolerate many pests and diseases without additional treatment. As essential components of any Plant Health Care (PHC) and Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), species selection from the approved Tree Palette, nursery stock inspection, installation practices, and proper tree care maintenance are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the UFMP. This section will focus on standards for cultural care and pest and disease susceptibility, diagnostics, and standard treatment practices.

CULTURAL PRACTICES TO SUPPORT TREE HEALTH
Planting the right tree in the right place according to the installation standards presented in the Standards and Best Management Practices (Appendix B) section of this UFMP is the first step in the Plant Health Care Program. The establishment and long-term health of the tree depend on good cultural practices to maintain its growing environment. Cultural care includes proper water management, mulching, fertilization, pruning, and sanitation practices to establish environmental conditions around the tree that are favorable for tree growth, while eliminating conditions that favor pests and diseases. The extent to which these practices can be implemented may be limited in the urban setting by available space, infrastructure needs, and development. There is a continuum for each of these practices, where too much or too little can stress the tree, so each process needs to be properly planned to respond to the tree's needs to the extent possible in the urban environment. The information presented in each section below is summarized from the ISA Best Management Practices – Tree Planting and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Clause 10: Planting and Transplanting. Links to both are included in Appendix B.

Water Management
Access to adequate water is essential for the growth and health of all trees. The movement of water in a tree requires that the roots uptake enough water to balance that which is lost through leaf transpiration in the canopy. Insufficient soil moisture reduces the ability of roots to access and uptake water. If the roots are unable to uptake enough water to replace transpiration losses, leaves and branches may begin to wilt and die back, beginning in the upper canopy. Water-stressed trees are also typically more susceptible to pests and disease as resources needed to produce defensive chemicals become limited or reallocated.

Similarly, excessive soil moisture is problematic for tree health. Like all living cells, root cells require oxygen to function and remain alive. Roots access both water and air stored in the pore spaces

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between soil particles. As soil becomes oversaturated, the pore spaces fill with excess water, displacing air. Without the necessary air, root function is reduced, and eventually the roots begin to die. The resulting reduction in root system function and volume reduces water uptake and can lead to symptoms similar to those expected in water-stressed trees.

Trees established in the landscape will have developed root systems connected to adequate water sources and should only require supplemental water during long periods of drought for non-irrigated sites, or if there are long-term changes to the frequency or duration of watering cycles for irrigated sites.

Supplemental water is required for young, newly planted trees until they become established, usually one to two years after installation. If an irrigation system is used to provide supplemental water, the new trees should be on a dedicated valve and program, separate from adjacent lawn or shrub systems. Soil moisture should be tested periodically with a soil probe to ensure the soil remains moist but not oversaturated, and the program should be adjusted accordingly.

Sites without automatic irrigation will require hand watering of newly planted trees. A watering schedule will need to be developed, and the responsible party clearly defined for all new tree plantings. To avoid overwatering, soil samples should be taken with a soil probe before hand watering, and supplemental water should be provided only as required to maintain adequate soil moisture. Water should be even distributed throughout the watering basins established at installation (see Standards and Best Management Practices). Any disturbance to the berm or basin must be repaired at the time of watering or prior to the next scheduled visit.

The frequency of visits will be determined by the specific needs of the species and the water usage provided in the species profile (Tree Palette). Table 4.5 provides a general schedule based on the time of year and the species water usage. A general guidance for the volume of water to be provided at each visit is ten (10) gallons of water for every one (1) caliper inch of the trunk.

Water Usage June - October November - May
Very Low 1x per week
1x per week
(0 – 3 months after installation)

Every other week
(3 months + after installation)
Low
2x per week
(0 – 3 months after installation)

1x per week
(3 months + after installation)
1x per week
Moderate 2x per week 2x per week
Table 4.5: General Watering Schedule Based on Water Usage.

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Mulching
There are many benefits to mulching trees in the urban forest. Mulches help:
• Maintain soil moisture
• Manage weed growth
• Moderate soil temperature changes
• Reduce soil compaction and erosion
• Increase soil organic matter, which stimulates microbial activity, soil aggregation, and nutrient availability.

As with all the cultural practices in this section, these benefits may not be realized if mulch is not applied properly. In fact, improper mulch application can be more harmful to the tree's health than not applying mulch at all.

Figure 4.2 illustrates proper mulching techniques and some potential consequences of improper mulching. In general, mulch:
• Should cover as much of the root zone as possible.
o For newly planted trees, 1.5 to 3 inches DSH, mulch should be applied over an area with a minimum 3-foot radius.
o For larger trees, it is ideal to apply mulch from near the trunk to the dripline; however, the minimum radius of the mulched area should be three times the DSH. o Applied in a continuous bed around multiple trees.
• There should be no mulch at the trunk and extending 4” out. Taper to 4” deep out to 2’ beyond the dripline where possible. The area from two feet inside the dripline to 2’ beyond the dripline is the most active root zone, and it is important to mulch beyond the dripline.

More detailed information can be found in Appendix B in the Mulching Section of the ISA Soil Management for Urban Trees BMP.

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Figure 4.2: Proper Mulching Practices.

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Fertilization
Fertilizers should be applied to trees only when a nutrient deficiency is confirmed through lab analysis of soil and tissue samples. Some pests and diseases can mimic symptoms typically associated with nutrient deficiencies, so samples should always be taken to confirm the deficiency before fertilizer is applied. For new tree plantings, adding organic amendments to the top six inches of backfill soil will improve soil structure and promote the development of beneficial soil microbes and healthy root growth for the tree.

If specific nutrient deficiencies are identified in soil or tissue samples, a Certified Arborist or Pest Control Advisor can provide an appropriate fertilizer treatment plan. Further information regarding tree nutrient requirements and fertilizer application can be found in Appendix B in the ISA Tree and Shrub Fertilization BMP.

Pruning
Pruning of mature trees is discussed as part of the Maintenance Program. Where practical pruning should be conducted according to ANSI A300 Standards and ISA Best Management Practices (Appendix B). Some general acceptable pruning guidelines include:
• Define the objectives of the pruning.
• Remove only the amount of material necessary to meet the objectives. • To the extent possible, avoid cuts to large branches (branches with a diameter of four inches 4” or greater) that will create a large wound. Large wounds are more susceptible to pests, disease, and decay.
• Avoid poor pruning practices such as flush cuts; topping, lion-tailing, excessive thinning, excessive raising, or excessive reduction.
• Make cuts back to branch unions with the remaining branch at least one-third the diameter of the branch to be removed; do not leave stubs.
• Use the three-cut method (Figure 4.3) to preserve the branch collar and avoid bark tearing to the trunk or remaining branch.
• Sanitize pruning equipment with an alcohol or bleach solution before moving to a different tree, or making a cut on the same tree if disease or pest infestation is suspected on the previously cut branch.

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Figure 4.3: Tree Pruning.

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Structural pruning of young trees promotes healthy branch architecture, reduces the need for excessive trimming, and reduces the number of large branch cuts as the tree matures. Figure 4.14 details the objectives of a structural pruning plan for young trees.

Figure 4.4: Structural Pruning Objectives for Young Trees Sanitation
Sanitation practices involve removing broken, dead, diseased, or pest-infested branches from a tree.

Broken and dead branches can serve as sites for pest infestation or as entry points for pathogens into the tree. Removing branches infected by a pathogenic disease or infested with a bark or stem-boring pest can help slow or even eliminate the spread of the pest or disease to other parts of the tree. It is an important part of this process to remove pest-infested or diseased branches, twigs, and foliage from the site and dispose of these parts according to recommended protocols. An ISA Certified Arborist, Pest Control Advisor, County Agricultural Commissioner, or the local office of the University of California Cooperative Extension Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) can provide recommended disposal protocols.

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INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
The cultural practices above are an integral part of plant health care and the first step in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. IPM is a combination of multiple practices for the prevention and control of pests and diseases. Proper cultural practices focus on reducing abiotic (non-living) factors that can affect a tree's health. Healthy trees are better able to tolerate and resist pests and are less susceptible to pathogenic disease. In addition to the cultural practice standards, the City of Carson IPM Program includes regular urban forest monitoring, biological control practices, tracking of emerging pests and diseases, and chemical control when necessary. This UFMP discussed the general framework of the IPM Program. Specific pest and disease issues will apply this framework in consultation with a licensed California Department of Pesticide Regulation Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (Pest Control Adviser).

Urban Forest Monitoring
Regular monitoring of the urban forest trees for early signs of abiotic stress, pests, and disease is an important part of the City of Carson's IPM Program. The number of treatment options for most pests and diseases is greater and usually more effective when detected early. As part of the Maintenance Program, trees scheduled for pruning will be inspected by the contractor prior to being assigned to the City crew or contractor. The crew will also inspect the tree before starting work and continue to look for signs of pests or disease as the work progresses.

In addition to maintenance monitoring and specific inspection requests submitted through the Tree Maintenance Supervisor, an ISA Certified Arborist contractor should conduct quarterly windshield surveys of the entire urban forest to identify trees showing obvious signs of stress, pests, or disease.

Trees showing any signs or symptoms of stress, pests, or disease will be recorded in The City’s Electronic Inventory System for follow-up inspections to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment plan.

Pest/Disease Identification
Proper identification of the abiotic factor, pest, or disease that is causing the observed symptoms is a key part of the City of Carson IPM Program. When no direct signs of known pests or disease are observed at the time of inspection, the inspector will photograph the symptoms and signs and collect samples for submittal to a qualified laboratory for identification.

Common Pests and Diseases
Table 4.4 shows some common pests and diseases associated with Genera or specific species present in the current City of Carson urban forest inventory or in the approved plant palette. This is not an all-inclusive list of potential pests and cannot account for future emerging pest issues. Further information on these pests and diseases is provided in Appendix D.

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Common Name Botanical Name Common Pest Associates Common Disease Associates Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Aphids Phytophthora, Root Rot
Carrot wood Cupaniopsis anacardioides Invasive Shot Hole Borer Root Rot, Verticillium Fern pine Afrocarpus falcatus Podocarpus Aphid, California Red Scale Leaf Spot
American Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua
Invasive Shot Hole Borer,
Aphids, Caterpillars, Scales
and Gypsy Moth
Armillaria, Anthracnose,
Chlorosis, Sooty Mold, Root
Rot,
Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot
Sooty Mold, Aphids, Beetle
Borers and Spider Mites
Brisbane box Lophostemon confertus Scales Phytophthora, Root Rot Mexican Fan Palm Washingtonia robusta Beetle Borers and South American Palm Weevil
Leaf Spot, Diamond scale, Bud
Rot
Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolia Scales Armillaria, Root Rot, Verticillium Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Aphids, Scales, Spider Mites Armillaria, Root Rot, Verticillium Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica Aphids Powdery Mildew, Sooty Mold Table 4.6: Selected Pest and Diseases Associated with Tree Species Currently in the Urban Forest Inventory or Approved Plant Palette.

Cultural and Biological Pest Control
Most pathogenic fungi and bacteria thrive in moist, cool conditions. Over-irrigated soils can provide a favorable environment for pathogens that cause root rot. Excessive moisture at the base of a tree, due to a buried root flare or an irrigation head directed at the trunk, can promote conditions favorable to many vascular and rot diseases. Dense foliage growth provides shelter for insect pests and reduces airflow, which can increase moisture retention in the inner canopy and create favorable conditions for causal agents of branch and leaf diseases. Flushes of new growth resulting from unnecessary or inappropriately timed fertilizer application can attract insect pests and promote population growth. Eliminating favorable environmental conditions for growth, reproduction, and spread can keep many pests and diseases at tolerable levels in the urban forest.

In addition to cultural controls, some insects can be effective at controlling pest populations as natural predators and parasitoids. Examples of natural predators and parasitoids are provided in Appendix D.

There are three biological control implementation approaches: conservation, augmentation, and introduction. The conservation approach focuses on maintaining an environment that promotes existing beneficial insects. Avoidance of broad-spectrum pesticides in favor of products that kill only targeted pests, and timing applications to reduce impacts on beneficial insects, are important aspects of natural enemy conservation. Augmentation involves releasing native and naturalized beneficial insects to supplement existing populations. Many common natural predators are commercially available for purchase as part of an augmentation program. The introduction approach is a highly regulated process of releasing non-native predatory species, and it is usually reserved for introduced pest species that lack native or naturalized predators. Before a non-native predator can be considered for release, it undergoes years of testing under government agency supervision to ensure the potential predator will not have adverse impacts on the native ecosystem.

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The cultural practices are a key component of the City of Carson IPM Program. In addition, the Program will promote the conservation of beneficial insects by reducing the use of broad-spectrum pesticides and by timing pesticide applications to minimize impacts on these species to the extent feasible. Augmentation of existing beneficial insect populations will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a licensed Pest Control Advisor. The introduction approach is beyond the scope of the City of Carson, although the City may consider participating in introduction programs conducted by the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner (County Agricultural Commissioner), UCANR, or other available agencies.

Emerging Pests and Diseases
The introduction of new non-native pests and diseases is an ongoing, dynamic process that requires urban forest managers to stay up to date on the latest information. Staff participation in continuing education opportunities, seminars, and conferences through the ISA and other arboriculture and landscape industry-related professional organizations is an important component of the IPM Program.

Partnerships and consultation with the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, UCANR, and private consultants will also be part of tracking emerging pests and diseases.

Chemical Control
The goal of the City of Carson IPM Program is to reduce the use of pesticides, especially broad- spectrum pesticides, to control pests and diseases within the urban forest to the extent possible by selecting the appropriate species for the planting site (Tree Palette), following the proper BMPs and Standards for installation (Planting Plan), adhering to the Maintenance Program and applying the above mentioned monitoring, cultural and biological control practices. Under this program, chemical control is the last option when other methods cannot control a pest or disease. Before initiating chemical control, the Tree Maintenance Supervisor will consult with a licensed Pest Control Advisor to develop a treatment plan and obtain a written Pesticide Recommendation.

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RISK ASSESSMENT
Despite proper management to maintain a healthy urban forest that maximizes the benefits to the community, there are risks to persons and property associated with trees. Trees are living organisms, and the potential for failure, either in entirety or in part, cannot always be predicted. The goal for urban forest managers is to find a balance in which the benefits outweigh the risks associated with the trees.

The ISA has developed the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) to train arborists to evaluate this risk to the greatest extent possible. Risk assessment ratings can assist the Tree Maintenance Supervisor in prioritizing maintenance needs and scheduling maintenance work.

TRAQ designates three levels for conducting risk assessments based on the level of detail required. • Level 1 Limited Visual Assessment: a tree or tree population is observed from one perspective to identify obvious defects or conditions with increased likelihood of failure near specified targets. Level 1 Risk Assessments can also be conducted from a slow-moving vehicle or aerially using an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone). • Level 2 Basic Assessment: a 360° ground-based visual inspection of the subject tree(s) and the surrounding site. The visible buttress roots, trunk, and branches are inspected for defects, and each defect is evaluated for the likelihood of failure. The likelihood of failure is combined using a matrix that accounts for the likelihood of the failed part contacting each of the identified targets to determine the overall likelihood that a particular target will be struck. Occupancy rate and the target's distance from the tree are factored into this determination. The likelihood of failure and impact are combined in a separate matrix, along with the consequences of the impact on the target, to assign a risk rating for the tree or tree part. • Level 3 Advanced Assessment: advanced assessment to obtain more detailed information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions during or after a Level 2 Basic Assessment using specialized equipment, analysis, and/or expertise.

To assess the risk posed by trees in the City of Carson Urban Forest as a whole, a Level 1 Limited Visual Assessment could be performed concurrently with the quarterly windshield surveys, provided the inspector is TRAQ qualified. Trees identified with obvious defects, or for which inspection requests have been submitted to an outside Contractor (WCA at the time of the development of this UFMP), may require a Level 2 Basic Assessment and/or a Level 3 Advanced Assessment conducted by a TRAQ qualified arborist.

URBAN FOREST BIOMASS RECYCLING & REPURPOSING
To maximize environmental benefits, all biomass in the urban forest should be repurposed to the highest possible use in accordance with the current State of California Standards. Biomass from tree maintenance activities in the City of Carson will be chipped on-site or at a collection facility and recycled as organic mulch or repurposed under the Urban Wood Policy, depending on the size and diameter of the material. Vegetative biomass and woody material less than 9“ in diameter shall be chipped on-site or transported to a green material processing center for chipping and recycling as mulch or composting. The minimum size and diameter of woody material that can be repurposed under the Urban Wood Policy may vary by tree species, extent of wood decay, and other factors.

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Woody material that cannot be repurposed due to any of these factors shall be chipped on-site or transported to a processing center for chipping and recycling.

The objective of the Urban Wood Policy is to maximize sequestered carbon and use removed trees in the most efficient way possible. This effort uses trees removed from urban environments and prioritizes their highest potential environmental value. Environmental benefits are realized by diverting wood that would otherwise go to landfills and by reducing greenhouse gas emissions released through traditional disposal processes. Co-benefits include sourcing local raw materials for construction, maximizing the value of trees being removed, and displaying urban wood products in the community, all of which tell the unique story of the city where the trees grew and matured.

Subject to the availability of funding, the City of Carson may promote sustainability through urban forest operations in the following ways:

TREE RECYCLING PLAN
Trees that are removed may be repurposed for their highest use. This includes, but is not limited to, being milled into lumber, left in public spaces as natural architecture (including wildlife habitat), or crafted into usable products such as benches, picnic tables, new non-structural construction elements, and other wood crafts and projects. The selection criteria for urban wood shall be made at the discretion of the Director of Public Works in consultation with an urban wood repurposing facility.

Suggested resources for wood processing can be found at USRW Certified Wood Standards and Urban Wood Network - A Network of Municipalities, Arborists, Sawmills, Suppliers, Manufacturers & Makers, Professionals, and Stakeholders.

SPECIES REPLACEMENT PLAN
Tree replacement criteria should include a consideration for end-of-life uses, including lumber. For City trees removed with potential for urban wood, a replacement tree from the Approved Tree Palette in this UFMP will be considered for replanting. The available planting space for the replacement species, the presence of overhead utility lines, and the desired resident benefits for the location should be considered in the species selection process.

URBAN WOOD PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Urban wood should be considered in all city projects. It is suggested that urban wood utilization be approved by the Director of Public Works, if applicable. When approval is required, all project scope details shall comply with all municipal construction and/or building code standards. Use of the certification standards as set by the Urban, Salvaged, or Reclaimed Woods Network and endorsed by the Urban Wood Network is recommended to ensure quality. (USRW Certified Urban Wood Standards).

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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
Regularly scheduled maintenance, inspection, structural pruning, and plant health care will significantly reduce the frequency of tree failure, but they cannot eliminate failures entirely. Branches, trunks, or entire trees may still fail due to storm events, mechanical damage, or other unpredictable environmental factors. As living organisms, trees may fail without warning or discernible cause. These unexpected failures can damage structures, disrupt traffic patterns, and potentially cause injuries.

They constitute an emergency that must be addressed immediately. The remainder of this section describes the procedures of the City of Carson's Tree Emergency Operations Plan.

INCIDENT REPORTING
Tree-related incidents that occur during normal business hours for the City of Carson Public Works Department, Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., can be reported by phone at (310) 830-7600. Tree- related incidents that occur outside standard business hours can be reported by City residents through the Carson Sheriff’s Station Non-Emergency Line at (310) 830-1123 or by calling 911 if the incident results in injury or immediate safety concerns requiring police or fire department response.

STORM EVENTS
When weather forecasts predict a significant storm or Santa Ana Wind, City of Carson Tree Maintenance Staff and the City’s Tree Maintenance Contractor assess the potential for branch and tree failures. For storms that pose a higher risk of such failures, additional City or Contractor staff may be assigned to respond to emergency calls and patrol areas with a higher probability of failures, based on tree species and potential targets that could be impacted after normal Public Works operating hours.

INCIDENT RESPONSE
For calls received during normal Public Works Department working hours, the Public Works Superintendent - Operations and Maintenance or the Tree Maintenance Supervisor will contact the appropriate City staff or an outside contractor to inspect the incident site and assess the necessary response. If an immediate response is required, the Superintendent or the Tree Maintenance Supervisor will mobilize the appropriate City staff or outside contractors.

For calls received after normal Public Works hours, the Carson Sheriff’s Station Non-Emergency Line Staff will contact the Public Works Superintendent - Operations and Maintenance to mobilize the appropriate City staff or an outside contractor to inspect access to the incident site and assess the needed response. If an immediate response is required, the Superintendent or Tree Maintenance Supervisor will mobilize the appropriate City staff or an outside contractor.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS
Requests for emergency tree responses from an outside contractor require approval from the Director of Public Works. Once approved, the contractor will be contacted per established procedures and mobilized to the emergency location. As the current Tree Emergency response contractor for the City of Carson, the West Coast Arborist (WCA) emergency response procedure is outlined below as an example. The contact information and contractor procedures will need to be periodically updated as contact personnel change or the city selects a new emergency services contractor.

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West Coast Arborist Emergency Tree Services Contact Procedure For emergency services calls in the City of Carson during WCA standard business hours (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, not including holidays), contact:

West Coast Arborist Anaheim Corporate Office – (714) 991-1900 For emergency service calls outside standard working hours, the WCA on-call manager can be contacted through the Limb Down line at (866) LIMB.DOWN [(866) 546-2369]. Once the on-call manager has been contacted, site details and additional information can be emailed to [email protected].

WCA emergency response crews will be on-site within 2 hours of receiving the call request.

DEBRIS MANAGEMENT
Foliage and woody debris resulting from the emergency response shall be taken to a green waste facility approved by the Department of Public Works. The responding City or contractor crew is responsible for removing the debris before leaving the worksite. Larger woody debris, such as trunks and large branches, may be transported to an urban wood recycling location as described in the previous section.

WILDLIFE PROTECTION
The many benefits to the community provided by the trees in the City of Carson have been presented throughout this UFMP. In addition to the benefits for people, the urban forest also provides habitat for a great number of wildlife species. Trees can serve as valuable sites for roosting, foraging, shelter, and nesting, attracting many wildlife species that would otherwise not be found in urban environments. Interactions with many of these wildlife species, such as resident and migrating birds, add to the beauty and quality of life for the residents of the community.

The City of Carson is aware that many of the tree maintenance activities included in the UFMP may impact and/or cause harm to wildlife and that measures to protect wildlife are a key component to the Urban Forest Operations Plan. In addition to the community benefits they provide; Federal and State of California laws require measures to protect wildlife in the urban forest including:
• Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
• Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
• California Endangered Species Act (CESA)
• California Fish and Game Code Sections 1600-1617
The degree to which tree maintenance activities impact wildlife will vary based on the time of year and the habitat value associated with the species of tree(s) where maintenance work will be performed. Wildlife can nest at any time during the year and in any tree regardless of habitat value, however, the likelihood of activity is much higher during the breeding season for the wildlife species in trees with higher habitat value. Table 4.5 provides the breeding periods for selected groups of birds as a general guideline.

To assist urban forest managers in deciding the level of protection measures required, the ISA Tree Care for Wildlife Best Management Practices (Appendix B) suggests three categories determined by

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To protect wildlife during tree maintenance activities, the City of Carson will implement the following measures for all City Maintenance Crews and Tree Maintenance Contractors:
• For Work to be performed in Category 1 Wildlife Protection Areas:
o Crews will be trained by a Wildlife Trained Arborist or Wildlife Biologist to conduct pre- work inspections for signs of nesting wildlife. The training can be site-specific or general wildlife awareness training for city-wide work.
o Trained crews will conduct a pre-work survey for wildlife prior to beginning work. o Inspections will be documented on a form approved by the Director of Public Works. • For Work to be performed in Category 2 Wildlife Protection Areas:
o Pre-work inspection will be conducted by a Wildlife Trained Arborist. o Inspections will be documented on a form approved by the Director of Public Works. • For Work to be performed in Category 3 Wildlife Protection Areas:
o Pre-work inspection will be conducted by a Wildlife Biologist or Wildlife Trained Arborist specifically trained by a Wildlife Biologist for High Habitat Value areas in the City of Carson.
o Inspections will be documented on a form approved by the Director of Public Works. • If signs of wildlife nesting activity are observed:
o The scheduled work will be delayed until the nesting activity has concluded, and the young have left the nest, as determined by a Wildlife Trained Arborist or Wildlife Biologist.
o An appropriate buffer, according to Table 4.7 or at the direction of a Wildlife Biologist, will be established around the nest. Maintenance work will be delayed for any scheduled trees that fall within the buffer area or would require crews or equipment to enter the buffer area to conduct the scheduled work.
o Signs will be posted on the nesting tree and any additional trees in the buffer area to provide public notice of the delay in work.
o A note will be attached in the City’s electronic inventory system to the nesting tree site and any tree sites within the buffer zone detailing the wildlife nesting and the delay in the maintenance work.
o The Director of Public Works will be notified of the delayed work.

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Bird Group Typical Breeding
Season
Egg
Incubation
Period (Days)
Duration of
Period from
Hatching to
Young Leaving
the Nest
Minimum
Buffer
Radius for
Low Habitat
Value Trees
(feet)
Minimum
Buffer
Radius for
High Habitat
Value Trees
(feet)
Herons and Egrets January – August 19 – 27 21 – 81 days 200 300 Birds of Prey
(Hawks, Vultures,
Falcons)
February - August 25 – 36 4 – 7 weeks 300 500
Doves February - November 14 – 20 13 – 30 days 100 300
Owls January – July 26 – 35 28 – 60 days 300 500
Hummingbirds December - July 13 – 18 20 – 23 days 100 300 Songbirds
(eg. Finches, kingbirds,
mockingbirds)
February - August 11 – 17 9 – 25 days 100 300
Crows, Ravens, Jays February - August 15 – 21
Jays: 18 days
Crows: 35 days
Ravens: 5 – 6
weeks
100 300
Table 4.7: Breeding Season, Incubation Period, Fledging Duration, and Buffer Requirements for Selected Groups of Birds.

Low Value
Habitat
High Value
Habitat
Sensitive
Habitat
Non-Breeding
Season Category 1 Category 2 Category 3
Breeding
Season Category 2 Category 3 Category 3
Table 4.8: Wildlife Protection Categories.
(From the ISA Tree Care for Wildlife Best Management Practices)

TREE PLANTING PLAN

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SUSTAINABILITY
The urban environment presents many challenges for the growth and development of trees. The area needed for root expansion, to provide structural support and access to adequate water and nutrients for tree growth and development, is often limited by the building, hardscape, and infrastructure footprints necessary to support the community. The expansion of a tree’s canopy to gather more light and support growth often conflicts with overhead utilities, buildings, and traffic signs. Increased temperatures due to reflected heat from structures and hardscape increase evapotranspiration, taxing tree root systems to take up more water to compensate.

These obstacles become more daunting as Southern California trends toward hotter, drier weather as part of global climate change. Climate prediction models, such as The Climate Explorer, project an increase in average daily temperatures of one to three degrees Fahrenheit (1° – 3°F) from 2020 to 2030, with an additional one to two degrees Fahrenheit (1° – 2°F) by 2040. The temperature change is likely to be accompanied by more unpredictable annual precipitation and longer periods of drought between extreme storm events. Many common Southern California street tree species will struggle to adapt to the changing climate, either succumbing directly to drought stress or to increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Sustaining Carson's urban forest under these conditions requires the City to commit resources to three priorities simultaneously: the cultural and maintenance practices described in the previous section, careful matching of species to site, and the purchase of high-quality nursery stock installed in accordance with ISA Best Management Practices and ANSI A300 Standards. Because those resources are finite, they must be allocated where they deliver the greatest community benefit. The guidance in this section is drawn from current research, industry practices, and published standards at the time of drafting, and is intended to provide City tree management staff with a practical basis for species selection, installation, and the protection of mature trees.

TREE PALETTE
Installing the wrong tree species for the site can lead to increased maintenance efforts and costs, higher water use, damage to infrastructure, conflicts with overhead utilities, lighting, traffic signs, and signals, and may even result in the tree's death. The need to conserve water resources, due to climate change and sustained drought, must also be a major consideration in species selection as the City of Carson looks to replace removed trees or fill vacant sites to expand the Urban Forest. Tables

5.1 – 5.6 below list the appropriate tree species based on planting area size, proximity to overhead utility lines, and water use. Trees currently in the City of Carson Urban Forest inventory are indicated with an asterisk (*). Trees that are native to the southern California region are marked with a double dagger symbol (‡). A profile is provided for all species not currently included in the inventory.

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PLANT CHARACTERISTICS USED
Foliage Type
This characteristic describes how long leaves persist on trees of a given species. The three categories for foliage type are evergreen, deciduous, and partly deciduous.

Evergreen – Trees that do not lose all their leaves or needles at once. These trees shed older leaves at specific times or throughout the year, depending on the species. Evergreen trees remain green throughout the winter.

Deciduous – Trees that lose their leaves completely and enter a period of dormancy in a given season. Most species are fall- or winter-deciduous and become dormant during the colder months of the year; however, there are a handful of drought-deciduous species that enter dormancy during the summer when temperatures are higher and water is less available.

Partly Deciduous – Trees that lose most of their leaves during the dormancy period but still retain some living foliage at lower densities.

Some tree species can adapt their foliage type to climate and local weather patterns. For example, if winter temperatures in a given area are mild and rarely drop below freezing, a normally deciduous species may adopt a partially deciduous foliage type in that area. Species that exhibit this adaptive characteristic are indicated in the tables below with a range for the foliage type.

Maximum Height and Width
The maximum height and width values presented in the tables and species profiles that follow represent the observed values, in feet, for trees of each species from the available literature.

Environmental factors such as the availability of growing space, light, and water may limit growth, preventing individual trees from reaching these dimensions.

Water Usage
The water usage rating given for each tree species in the tables and species profiles below is based on the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) values. WUCOLS rates the water usage by species according to four categories, Very Low, Low, Moderate, High. For species that have not been evaluated as part of WUCOLS, water usage rates were based on the values presented in the SelecTree databases using the same scale values.

Very Low – Once established, species with a Very Low rating do not require irrigation water to supplement normal precipitation, except in years with below-average rainfall.

Low – Once established, species with a Low rating require only minimal irrigation water during the summer months.

Medium – Once established, species with a Moderate rating require irrigation water to remain healthy, especially during the summer and during long periods without precipitation.

High – Species with a High rating require regular irrigation to remain healthy, especially during the summer.

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APPROVED TREE PALETTE
The list of tree species approved for new and replacement installations in areas managed by the City of Carson is presented in Table 5.1. For each approved species, the table lists the common name, botanical name, minimum planter size, potential to damage hardscape, potential conflicts with overhead utility lines, foliage type, maximum height and width, and water requirements. The overall list is further organized by minimum planter space and compatibility with overhead utility lines in Tables 5.2 – 5.5.

The availability of nursery stock for these species for emergencies and other small-quantity replacements may vary with industry trends, leading to overrepresentation of more commonly available species in the Urban Forest inventory.

Common Name Botanical Name
Planter
Size
(Ft)
Potential
Hardscape
Damage
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
Shoestring Acacia Acacia stenophylla 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 30 20 Very Low
Shantung Maple Acer truncatum 4 – 7 Low No Deciduous 30 30 High California Buckeye ‡ Aesculus californica 4 – 7 Low Yes Deciduous 25 30 Low African Fern Pine * Afrocarpus falcatus > 7 Low No Evergreen 50 50 Medium Peppermint Tree * Agonis flexuosa 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 30 30 Low Strawberry Tree * Arbutus ‘Marina’ 2 - 4 Low No Evergreen 40 30 Medium Strawberry Madrone * Arbutus unedo 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 35 35 Medium King Palm * Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 70 15 Medium Hong Kong Orchid Tree * Bauhinia x blakeana 4 – 7 Low No Partly Deciduous 40 25 Medium
Weeping Bottlebrush * Callistemon viminalis 2 – 4 Low Yes Evergreen 20 20 Low Gold Medallion Tree * Cassia leptophylla 4 – 7 Low Yes Partly Deciduous 30 30 Medium
Purple Leaf Eastern
Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Forest
Pansy' 4 – 7 Low No Deciduous 40 35 Medium
Western Redbud * Cercis occidentalis 2 – 4 Low Yes Deciduous 30 20 Medium Bubba Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba' 2 – 4 Low Yes Deciduous 20 20 Low Chinese Fringe Tree * Chionanthus retusus 2 – 4 Low Yes Deciduous 30 15 Medium Chitalpa * x Chitalpa tashkentensis 4 – 7 Low No Deciduous 30 30 Low Bushy Yate * Eucalyptus conferruminata 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 30 30 Low Red Flowering Gum * Eucalyptus ficifolia 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 45 60 Low Coral Gum * Eucalyptus torquata 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 40 30 Very Low
Australian Willow * Geijera parviflora 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 60 20 Medium Ginkgo * Ginkgo biloba 4 – 7 Moderate No Deciduous 60 40 Medium

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Common Name Botanical Name
Planter
Size
(Ft)
Potential
Hardscape
Damage
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
Golden Trumpet Tree * Handroanthus chrysotrichus 2 – 4 Moderate No Partly Deciduous 30 30 Medium
Pink Trumpet Tree * Handroanthus heptaphyllus 4 – 7 Moderate No Partly Deciduous 30 25 Medium
Goldenrain Tree* Koelreuteria paniculata 4 – 7 Low No Partly Deciduous 40 40 Medium
Crape Myrtle * Lagerstroemia indica 2 – 4 Low Yes Partly Deciduous 30 25 Low
Brisbane Box * Lophostemon confertus 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 50 30 Medium Blue Palo Verde ‡ Parkinsonia floridum 4 – 7 Low Yes Partly Deciduous 25 20 Very
Low
Avocado* Persea americana 4 – 7 High No Evergreen 40 35 Medium Date Palm * Phoenix dactylifera > 7 Moderate No Evergreen 50 40 Low Japanese Black Pine * Pinus thunbergii 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 30 35 Medium Torrey Pine ‡ Pinus torreyana > 7 Moderate No Evergreen 50 25 Low Chinese Pistache * Pistacia chinensis 4 – 7 Low No Deciduous 40 35 Low Red Push Pistache * Pistacia 'Red Push' 4 – 7 Low No Deciduous 40 40 Medium Cape Pittosporum * Pittosporum viridiflorum 2 – 4 Low No Evergreen 30 20 Low London Plane Tree * Platanus x hispanica > 7 High No Deciduous 80 50 Medium Guava * Psidium guajava 4 – 7 Low Yes Evergreen 20 25 Medium Coast Live Oak ‡ * Quercus agrifolia 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 70 70 Low Engelmann Oak ‡ * Quercus engelmannii 4 – 7 Low No
Partly
Deciduous –
Evergreen
70 80 Low
Cork Oak * Quercus suber > 7 Moderate No Evergreen 70 70 Low Island Oak ‡ Quercus tomentella 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 50 40 Low Firewheel Tree Stenocarpus sinuatus 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 50 15 Medium Queen Palm * Syagrus romanzoffianum 4 – 7 Not listed No Evergreen 50 30 Medium Windmill Palm * Trachycarpus fortunei 2 – 4 Low No Evergreen 30 10 Low Table 5.1: Approved Tree Species Palette.

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PLANTING SPACE RANGING 2 – 4 FEET WIDE
The following species (Table 5.2) are recommended for small tree wells, narrow parkways, medians, or other City-maintained planting areas where the smallest dimension is between two and four feet.

Common Name Botanical Name Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
Strawberry Tree * Arbutus ‘Marina’ Evergreen 40 30 Medium No Weeping Bottlebrush * Callistemon viminalis Evergreen 20 20 Low Yes Western Redbud * Cercis occidentalis Deciduous 30 20 Medium Yes Bubba Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba' Deciduous 20 20 Low Yes Chinese Fringe Tree * Chionanthus retusus Deciduous 30 15 Medium Yes Golden Trumpet Tree * Handroanthus
chrysotrichus Partly Deciduous 30 30 Medium No
Crape Myrtle * Lagerstroemia indica Partly Deciduous 30 25 Low Yes Cape Pittosporum * Pittosporum viridiflorum Evergreen 30 20 Low No Windmill Palm * Trachycarpus fortunei Evergreen 30 10 Low No Table 5.2: Species Appropriate for 2–4-Foot-Wide Planting Areas.

PLANTING SPACE RANGING 4 – 7 FEET WIDE
The following species (Table 5.3) are recommended for parkways, medians, or other City-maintained planting areas where the smallest dimension is at least four feet wide.

Common Name Botanical Name Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
Shoestring Acacia Acacia stenophylla Evergreen 30 20 Very Low No Shantung Maple Acer truncatum Deciduous 30 30 High No
California Buckeye ‡ Aesculus californica Deciduous 25 30 Low Yes Peppermint Tree * Agonis flexuosa Evergreen 30 30 Low No Strawberry Madrone * Arbutus unedo Evergreen 35 35 Medium No King Palm * Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana Evergreen 70 15 Medium No
Hong Kong Orchid Tree * Bauhinia x blakeana Partly Deciduous 40 25 Medium No Gold Medallion Tree * Cassia leptophylla Partly Deciduous 30 30 Medium Yes Purple Leaf Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 'Forest
Pansy' Deciduous 40 35 Medium No
Chitalpa * x Chitalpa tashkentensis Deciduous 30 30 Low No Bushy Yate * Eucalyptus
conferruminata Evergreen 30 30 Low No
Red Flowering Gum * Eucalyptus ficifolia Evergreen 45 60 Low No

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Common Name Botanical Name Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
Coral Gum * Eucalyptus torquata Evergreen 40 30 Very Low No Australian Willow * Geijera parviflora Evergreen 60 20 Medium No Ginkgo * Ginkgo biloba Deciduous 60 40 Medium No
Pink Trumpet Tree * Handroanthus
heptaphyllus Partly Deciduous 30 25 Medium No
Goldenrain Tree* Koelreuteria paniculata Partly Deciduous 40 40 Medium No Brisbane Box * Lophostemon confertus Evergreen 50 30 Medium No Blue Palo Verde ‡ Parkinsonia floridum Partly Deciduous 25 20 Very Low Yes Avocado* Persea americana Evergreen 40 35 Medium No
Japanese Black Pine * Pinus thunbergii Evergreen 30 35 Medium No Chinese Pistache * Pistacia chinensis Deciduous 40 35 Low No Red Push Pistache * Pistacia 'Red Push' Deciduous 40 40 Medium No Guava * Psidium guajava Evergreen 20 25 Medium Yes
Coast Live Oak ‡ * Quercus agrifolia Evergreen 70 70 Low No Engelmann Oak ‡ * Quercus engelmannii Partly Deciduous – Evergreen 70 80 Low No
Island Oak ‡ Quercus tomentella Evergreen 50 40 Low No
Firewheel Tree Stenocarpus sinuatus Evergreen 50 15 Medium No Queen Palm * Syagrus romanzoffianum Evergreen 50 30 Medium No Table 5.3: Species Appropriate for 4 – 7-Foot-Wide Planting Areas.

PLANTING SPACE GREATER THAN 7 FEET WIDE
The following species (Table 5.4) require planters where the width of the smallest dimension is greater than seven (7) feet. These are larger trees that are better suited for parks and large medians.

Common Name Botanical Name Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
African Fern Pine * Afrocarpus falcatus Evergreen 50 50 Medium No Date Palm * Phoenix dactylifera Evergreen 50 40 Low No
Torrey Pine ‡ Pinus torreyana Evergreen 50 25 Low No
London Plane Tree * Platanus x hispanica Deciduous 80 50 Medium No Cork Oak * Quercus suber Evergreen 70 70 Low No
Table 5.4: Species Appropriate for Planting Areas 7-Foot-Wide or Greater.

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OVERHEAD UTILITY COMPATIBLE TREES
The following species (Table 5.5) are recommended for planting in areas with overhead utilities.

Common Name Botanical Name Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
California Buckeye ‡ Aesculus californica Deciduous 25 30 Low Weeping Bottlebrush * Callistemon viminalis Evergreen 20 20 Low Gold Medallion Tree * Cassia leptophylla Partly Deciduous 30 30 Medium Western Redbud * Cercis occidentalis Deciduous 30 20 Medium Bubba Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba' Deciduous 20 20 Low Chinese Fringe Tree * Chionanthus retusus Deciduous 30 15 Medium Crape Myrtle * Lagerstroemia indica Partly Deciduous 30 25 Low Blue Palo Verde ‡ Parkinsonia floridum Partly Deciduous 25 20 Very Low Guava * Psidium guajava Evergreen 20 25 Medium
Table 5.5: Overhead Utility Compatible Trees.

CALIFORNIA NATIVE TREES
The following species (Table 5.6) are native to California.

Common Name Botanical Name
Planter
Size
(Ft)
Potential
Hardscape
Damage
Overhead
Utility Line
Compatible
Foliage Type
Max
Height
(Ft)
Max
Width
(Ft)
Water
Use
California Buckeye ‡ Aesculus californica 4 – 7 Low Yes Deciduous 25 30 Low Blue Palo Verde ‡ Parkinsonia floridum 4 – 7 Low Yes Partly Deciduous 25 20 Very Low
Torrey Pine ‡ Pinus torreyana > 7 Moderate No Evergreen 50 25 Low Coast Live Oak ‡ Quercus agrifolia 4 – 7 Moderate No Evergreen 70 70 Low Engelmann Oak ‡ Quercus engelmannii 4 – 7 Low No Partly Deciduous –Evergreen 70 80 Low
Island Oak ‡ Quercus tomentella 4 – 7 Low No Evergreen 50 40 Low Table 5.6: Species Appropriate for Planting Areas 7-Foot-Wide or Greater.

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SPECIES PROFILES

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PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
A critical component of the City of Carson's continued growth is the development and improvement of public and private facilities and infrastructure, both new and existing. Prior to approving and issuing permits for any proposed project, the Director of Public Works, Superintendent, or Tree Maintenance Supervisor must consider potential impacts on community assets and public resources, including the urban forest. To protect utilities and infrastructure, City trees will not be planted within the following distances from:
• Driveways – 10 feet
• Streetlights – 15 feet
• Intersections – 25 feet
• Fire Hydrants – 10 feet
• Power Poles – 10 feet
• Adjacent Trees – 20 to 40 feet
• Above ground, surface-mounted utility boxes – 5 to 10 feet

TREE PROTECTION DURING SITE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION The ISA Best Management Practices, Managing Trees During Site Development and Construction, and the ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Clause 9 – Management During Site Development and Construction (Appendix B) both emphasize the importance of the inclusion of a certified arborist throughout the development process to evaluate direct and indirect impacts to the urban forest and ensure the appropriate measures are taken to protect trees as illustrated in Table 5.6. At a minimum, proposed plans should address the following in relation to trees in the City of Carson Urban Forest:
• An inventory of the trees on site and adjacent trees that may be impacted by the project. o Inventory data required:
 Location (either as a map or set of coordinates)
 Tree Number (Electronic Inventory ID for City trees or site-specific identification number
 Species (common and botanical name)
 Diameter at Standard Height ([DSH] measured at 4.5 feet above grade)  Health Condition
o Impact zones outside of the project will vary. The precise buffer will be at the discretion of the Director of Public Works during the review process (See ISA BMP and ANSI Standards in Appendix B for more detail)
• Potential tree impacts:
o Direct

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 Project specifics that make tree impacts unavoidable.  Permits required for removals, branch removals, and root pruning.  Potential for increased sun exposure due to proposed pruning activities, leading to sunburn on internal branches.
• Proposed protection measures to prevent sunburn.
o Indirect
 Grade changes within the root zone of existing trees.  Changes to water flow on site that may divert water away or increase flows around existing trees.
 New hardscape installation near existing trees.
 Changes in sun exposure for existing trees due to the removal of adjacent trees, removal/changes to existing structures, or addition of new structures. • List of trees proposed to be preserved on site after the project. o Defined Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) for each tree to be preserved (See ISA BMP Managing Trees During Site Development in Appendix B for assistance in defining appropriate TPZ).
 Activities prohibited within the TPZ:
• Grade changes (cuts and fills).
• Trench excavation.
• Root pruning or cutting.
• Pedestrian and equipment traffic.
o It can cause soil compaction and root damage.
• Parking.
• Burning of brush or woody debris.
• Storing of soil, construction materials, petroleum products, water, or building refuse.
• Disposing of wash water, fuel, or other liquids that could potentially damage tree roots.
 Proposed method to delineate the TPZ(s) and restrict access.  TPZ(s) for adjacent trees outside the project area that may be impacted by the project.
• Monitoring and Maintenance Plan for trees to be preserved.

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o Preconstruction
 Watering
 Mulching
 Pest / Disease Prevention / Treatment
 Routine Pruning
 Tree Health
o During Construction
 Watering
 Mulching
 Pest / Disease Prevention / Treatment
 Tree Health
 TPZ Monitoring and Maintenance
 Monitoring / Response to incidental damage to protected trees.  Root Pruning Monitoring (According to the ISA Best Management Practices Root Management and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Clause 12 – Root Management, Appendix B)
o Post Construction
 Watering
 Mulching
 Pest / Disease Prevention / Treatment
 Tree Health
For private development projects, as part of the review process, in compliance with the ISA BMPs and the ANSI A300 Standards, the Director of Public Works, Superintendent, or Tree Maintenance Supervisor will evaluate the stated impacts and permit application(s) for each proposed project. The Director of Public Works, Superintendent, or the Tree Maintenance Supervisor will also evaluate the construction limits and protection measures around any preserved trees in the proposed plans to ensure the trees are suitable for preservation and that the submitted protections are adequate to maintain tree health after construction. Periodic site visits will be assigned at the Director of Public Works discretion to ensure compliance with the approved protection measures.

For City-managed or other public projects, the Director of Public Works, Superintendent, or Tree Maintenance Supervisor will coordinate with the lead agency to develop the tree protection plan described above. A staff Certified Arborist or a contracted arborist will be assigned, at the Director of Public Works discretion, to complete the site evaluation, inventory, and protection measures.

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Development Phase Arborist Involvement
Planning
Resource evaluation
Permitting needs
Suitability for preservation
Tree inventory
Design
Tree Impact Assessment
Tree Protection Plan
Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
Landscape Plan Review
Preconstruction
Contractor communication
TPZ barrier installation
Arboricultural treatments
Construction
Site monitoring
Assessing impacts
Maintaining TPZ
Arboricultural treatments
Landscaping
Site monitoring
TPZ barrier adjustments
Mitigate tree impacts
Postconstruction
Site monitoring
TPZ barrier removal
Mitigate tree impacts
Plan for maintenance
Table 5.6: Arborist Involvement in the Development Process (From the International Society of Arboriculture, Best Management Practices: Managing Trees During Site Development and Construction, page 4)

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TREE PLANTING TO REDUCE URBAN HEAT
The Canopy Analysis section of this UFMP explains the urban heat island effect and its causes. It also highlights the challenges in reducing heat in Carson, such as a citywide tree canopy of 5.31%, impervious cover totaling 75.55%, and district canopy percentages from 1.86% to 18.19%. This section outlines how the City's planting strategy should adapt to these factors.

How trees reduce heat, and what determines how much. Trees lower surface and air temperatures in two primary ways: shading pavement, buildings, and people, and transpiring water, which transforms solar energy into water vapor instead of sensible heat. The extent of cooling provided by a tree depends on four factors, all of which are influenced by management choices:
• Location. Shade cast on pavement, building walls, and people provides significantly more cooling than shade on turf or open soil. Placement is more important than tree quantity. • Mature canopy size determines shading potential. A large-stature tree can shade several times the area of a small tree. When space permits, larger species offer greater cooling benefits at each planting site.
• Survival to maturity is crucial, as a tree that fails to establish does not offer cooling benefits.

Therefore, ensuring proper establishment care is an integral component of the heat-mitigation strategy, rather than a separate maintenance task.
• Preservation of the existing canopy. Carson's mature trees already provide cooling that no newly planted tree will match for decades. Retaining them is the City's fastest and least expensive heat- mitigation action.

Where planting should be prioritized for heat mitigation. Priority is given to locations that combine low existing canopy with high human exposure to heat:
• Districts where the canopy is below the citywide average, after accounting for heat vulnerability, as part of the prioritization framework.
• Sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, including school routes, where people have direct exposure. • Transit stops and corridors where waiting times happen without shelter. • School sites, including athletic-field perimeters and interior locations that do not interfere with activities.
• Parks and civic destinations, especially seating, play, and gathering spaces. • Areas that serve populations most vulnerable to heat, such as older adults, young children, and outdoor workers.

Trees are one heat-mitigation measure among several. In Carson's most heavily paved districts, street-tree planting alone cannot deliver adequate heat relief. Districts 3, 6, 7, and 14 range from

82.6% to 90.3% impervious and together contain only 573 inventoried vacant sites. In these locations, and wherever tree planting is physically infeasible, the City should coordinate tree planting with:
• Adequate planting space for large-stature trees to reach the size that produces meaningful shade.

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PLANTING PLAN
The tree inventory classifies three types of locations as potential sites for planting, but these are not yet confirmed as actual planting sites.

A total of 7,057 vacant sites are recommended for planting, all requiring field verification before planting. Additionally, 158 sites may become available after tree removal. There are also 148 stump locations that could become available after removal. Overall, there are 7,363 potential planting sites.

A vacant site identified on a map presents an opportunity for planting a tree. Before including a site in a planting work order, City staff or a qualified contractor should verify its suitability. Any sites that do not meet planting criteria should be marked as unsuitable in the electronic inventory. • A publicly owned planting area managed by the city for tree care maintenance. • Underground utilities verified via DigAlert / 811, along with overhead utility presence. • Sight-distance standards for intersections, driveways, and crosswalks. • ADA standards and pedestrian clearance, including the minimum clear path of travel. • Required clearances from driveways, intersections, fire hydrants, streetlights, utility poles, and surface-mounted utility equipment must comply with the City's planning and engineering standards.
• Available rooting space and planter dimensions that determine the mature size of species the site can support.
• Soil conditions, such as compaction, drainage, and possible contamination—especially on former industrial or oil-field sites.
• Availability of irrigation and establishment-care capacity throughout the entire establishment period.
• Conflicts with existing infrastructure, including sidewalks, curbs, utilities, signals, and signage.

Planting Rate. At an estimated rate of about 368 trees annually, it would take roughly 20 years to plant the current vacant inventory. This estimate is flexible, as the actual timeframe will fluctuate due to sites leaving the inventory after verification, new vacancies arising from removals and capital projects, and trees dying and needing replacement. The planting rate should be adjusted annually to match the number of verified, suitable sites and the City's ability to water and maintain trees during their establishment period — not the other way around.

Prioritization. Verified sites are selected using a framework outlined in the Strategic Plan section.

This framework considers factors such as existing canopy, heat and impervious and pervious surfaces, verified vacancy, pedestrian and transit exposure, proximity to schools and parks,

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Survival standard. Planting success is measured by tree survival after installation. Each group must achieve at least 90% survival after one year, 85% after three years, and 80% after five years. Trees that die during the establishment period should be replaced on a 1:1 basis within a planting season, and these replacements should be recorded alongside the original group.

Expected canopy contribution. Planting alone will not significantly boost the overall city canopy cover. According to the Canopy Analysis, planting every vacant site identified and nurturing those trees for ten years would increase citywide canopy from 5.31% to about 5.58% gross, or 5.52% after factoring in an 80% survival rate. This results in a modest rise of roughly 0.21 to 0.27 percentage points, or about 4% to 5% relative growth. Achieving larger citywide canopy increases requires preserving existing mature trees, creating new planting areas through capital and development projects, and expanding canopy coverage on private, industrial, institutional, and school properties.

These strategies are detailed in the Strategic Plan section.

District-scale species diversity. Species diversity must be managed at the district scale, not only citywide. The 10-20-30 rule is satisfied across the City as a whole of the total inventory. At the grid pruning district scale, however, all 21 districts exceed the 10% species threshold.

This is important because the rule aims to prevent losses that occur locally. A pest or pathogen that affects a host spreads within an area, not across the entire city. Districts are dominated by Jacaranda mimosifolia and Cupaniopsis anacardioides; 13 of 21 districts are led by one of the city's three most common species and face concentrated risk from invasive pests or pathogens.

Accordingly, vacant-site planting shall aim to reduce district-level species concentration. When selecting species for any vacant site, the Tree Maintenance Supervisor shall:
• Review the current species composition of the grid pruning district before selecting a species, using the district profiles in the Urban Forest Operations section. • Do not select a species that already represents 10% or more of that district’s tree population, except where an overriding site constraint applies and the reason is recorded in the inventory. • Prioritize species that are missing or underrepresented in the district, selecting from the approved Tree Palette and matching them to the planting area size and overhead utility presence. • Perform replacement planting following a tree removal to ensure that like-for-like replacement doesn't continue an existing tree species concentration. • Include district-level species composition alongside the citywide 10-20-30 analysis.

Without a district-scale test, the citywide rule will only be technically met, while neighborhoods remain largely monocultural, preventing the Plan's diversification goals from being achieved in practice. The rest of this section details the procedures for soil testing, species and nursery stock selection, installation, tree support, watering, structural pruning, and young-tree monitoring that are applicable to all tree installations in Carson.

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Figure 5.1: Map of Stumps and Recommended Removals.

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Figure 5.2: Map of Vacant Sites In Council District 1.

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Figure 5.3: Map of Vacant Sites In Council District 2.

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Figure 5.4: Map of Vacant Sites In Council District 3.

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Figure 5.5: Map of Vacant Sites In Council District 4.

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SOIL TESTING
Prior to species selection for any planting site, soil samples will be taken to determine soil pH, nutrient availability, and the presence of heavy metals or other materials that may be harmful or reduce the growth of new trees on the site. The samples will be submitted to a laboratory facility approved by the Director of Public Works for analysis. Samples should be taken according to the methodology described in the ISA Best Management Practices Soil Management for Urban Trees (Appendix B) summarized below.
• 10 core samples should be taken from the upper 6” – 8” of the site soil using a soil probe or auger for every 1,000 square feet. area to be tested. If the site is less than 1,000 square feet, a minimum of 10 core samples should be taken.
• Scrape aside any layer of mulch, litter, or turf before taking the sample. • Core samples should be representative of the diversity of the site. • Combine the 10 core samples into a single sample bag to be submitted to the laboratory for analysis.
• Remove any rocks and/or debris from the sample before submittal.

SPECIES SELECTION
City Staff, with approval of the Director of Public Works, shall refer to the approved species list for selection of the species from this list that is appropriate for the size of the available planting space and presence or absence of utility lines (Tables 5.1 – 5.6). • Adjacent infrastructure should be considered when developing the list of potential species. The Approved Species List in Table 5.1 and the individual species profiles list the potential for roots to damage infrastructure. Species with moderate to high potential for hardscape damage may not be appropriate for planting adjacent to critical infrastructure. • Compare the soil sample analysis results for the planting site with the soil pH requirements provided in the species profiles for the list of potential species. If the site's soil pH falls within the tree species' pH tolerance range, the species may be considered suitable for the site.

NURSERY STOCK SELECTION
Obtaining healthy, well-structured nursery stock is essential to establishing healthy, well-structured trees in the City of Carson Urban Forest. Nursery stock must be free of pests and diseases and have a visible root flare to be accepted for installation in the City of Carson. Codominant leaders, or trees with large pruning wounds from the recent removal of a codominant stem, will also be rejected.

Pruning young trees in the nursery is a common industry practice; however, the pruning cuts should be made according to ANSI A300 Standards and ISA BMPs (Appendix B). Trees with flush-cut pruning wounds and/or stubs left after pruning will not be accepted.

Ideally, inspect the trees at the nursery before delivery; if not possible, check before offloading.

Inspect roots at the container edge to ensure they haven't been turned back or formed J-roots, which grow inward and prevent roots from spreading into the soil. As the tree grows, insufficient root area can cause drought stress or death, regardless of the water supplied. Figures 5.6 and 5.7 show healthy nursery stock versus conditions requiring rejection.

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Figure 5.6: Crown Conditions for Selecting Nursery Stock.

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Figure 5.7: Root Conditions for Selecting Nursery Stock.

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TREE INSTALLATION
Prior to excavation at any tree planting site, the location of underground utilities should be verified either internally by the Tree Maintenance Supervisor or by a contracted underground utilities locating service such as DigAlert. Once the site has been verified safe for excavation, the new tree will be installed according to the following specifications and as illustrated in Figure 5.12 (Further detail can be found in Appendix B, ISA Best Management Practices Tree Planting and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Clause 10 – Planting and Transplanting):
• Excavate the planting hole twice the width of the container and to a depth one to one and a half inches (1” – 1 1/2 “) less than the depth of the container soil. o The depth can be adjusted if needed by replacing excavated soil, watering the fill, and compacting it by foot.
• Remove excess soil around the base of the tree while it is still in the container to expose the root flare if necessary.
• Place the tree in the planting hole while still in the container to check that the container soil level is one to one-and-a-half inches (1” – 1 ½”) above the site grade. o The depth can be adjusted if needed by replacing excavated soil, watering the fill, and compacting it by foot.
• Once the depth of the planting hole has been properly adjusted o For plastic containers (15-gallon, 20-gallon, etc.):
 Carefully remove the root ball from the container by squeezing or banging on the sides to free the soil from the container and sliding the container from the root ball. Do not pull the tree out of the container by the trunk or turn the container upside down.
 Gently disturb the outer parts of the root ball by hand to free any roots that may have been constricted by the container. This will encourage outward expansion of the roots into the surrounding soil.
 Place the root ball in the center of the hole, supporting it with shovels or boards to keep it intact and in the proper position.
 Begin backfilling with native soil.
• Remove any debris, turf, mulch, or litter from the native soil prior to backfilling. • If soil amendments are recommended based on the pre-installation soil sample analysis, they should be thoroughly mixed with the native soil prior to being placed in the planting hole.
o Amended soil should only be used for the top eight to twelve inches (8” – 12”) of backfill unless otherwise specified.
• Backfill soil in six-to-eight-inch (6” – 8”) layers.
o Water in and compact each layer by foot.

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180 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. • Once the backfill has reached 2/3 the height of the root ball, the supports can be removed.
o Backfill the gap left by supports, water, and compact by foot. o Continue adding layers of soil, watering, and compacting until the backfill is level with the surrounding grade (the top of the container soil should be one to one-and-a-half inches [1” – 1
1/2”] above grade).
 Blend the edges of the container soil with the surrounding grade to create a gentle slope from the top of the container soil to the surrounding grade. • Cover any exposed roots on the edges. Do not cut exposed roots unless a Certified Arborist recommends it.
• Remove any backfill soil that is covering the original container soil. The nursery soil will likely be significantly different in composition and drainage from the native soil. If the nursery soil is covered with native backfill, a soil barrier may form, preventing water from penetrating into the root ball. As the tree begins to establish itself at the site, its roots will expand into the surrounding soil, which will reduce the issue, but for the first few months, most of the absorbing roots will be within the original container soil.  Build a berm from the remaining backfill soil to create a watering basin around the new tree.
• Berm should be four to six inches (4” – 6”) outside the edge of the original container and two to three inches (2” – 3”) high.
• Compact the berm by hand.
 Fill the basin with water and allow water to infiltrate the soil completely.  Once water has completely drained from the basin, fill it with water a second time.
o For boxed trees
 Follow the installation process above with these exceptions:
• For twenty-four (24”) and thirty-six-inch (36”) boxes, remove the bottom boards from the box before placing the tree in the planting hole • For forty-eight-inch (48”) boxes and larger, remove every other bottom board prior to placement in the planting hole.
• Do not cut the straps or remove the box sides until the backfill has reached 2/3
the height of the box; doing so can lead to the collapse of the unsupported root ball, damaging the roots.
• Backfill the gap created by the removal of the box sides in six-to-eight-inch (6” – 8”) layers, water each layer, and compact the soil with shovels and by foot before applying the next layer.

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Figure 5.8: Container Root Ball Correction of Nursery Stock

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Figure 5.9: Root Ball Shaving of Nursery Stock

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Figure 5.10: Tree Installation of Nursery Stock.

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NEW TREE SUPPORT AND TRUNK PROTECTION
Double staking with wooden stakes is usually adequate for most newly installed container trees up to a forty-eight-inch (48”) box size. Trees from larger containers or balled and burlapped trees with small root balls relative to tree height may be too tall to be adequately supported by wooden stakes. For these trees, guying and/or root ball anchoring may be the preferred support method. Details and methodology for guying and root ball anchoring can be found in the ISA Best Management Practices Tree Support Systems: Cabling, Bracing, Guying, and Propping and the ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Clause 7 – Supplemental Support Systems in Appendix B.

Tree Stake Installation
Figure 5.11 shows the correct placement and attachment of the double-stake support system. The process is as follows:
• Remove the nursery stake and the associated ties. If the stake cannot be fully removed without damaging the tree or its roots, cut it flush with the ground. If the entire stake is removed, backfill the hole and compact it by hand or with a small trowel. Avoid damaging the roots or trunk while backfilling the stake hole.
• Place the two untreated lodgepole pine or Douglas fir stakes on opposite sides of the tree, perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction at the planting site. • Drive stakes into native, undisturbed soil outside the planting hole to a minimum depth of two inches (2”). The stakes need to be driven straight into the ground, not at an angle. • Attach the tree to the stake using 36” EZ-Band Self-Locking Tree Ties or an equivalent approved by the City.
o Place the first pair of ties at the highest point on the trunk where the tree stands upright.

The ties should not contact, cross, constrict, or interfere with any branch in the canopy. o Each tie will be looped in a figure-8 pattern from the trunk to the stake (Figure 5.11). o The opposite tie in the pair should be placed so that it contacts the trunk just above or below the point of the first tie, without overlapping.
o The dull side of the tie should be placed flat against the trunk on the side of the loop. o If the distance from the trunk to the stake exceeds the reach of a single tie, multiple ties can be linked by passing the end of one through the self-locking loop of the second tie.

A knot is tied on the end of the first tie to prevent it from slipping through the self-locking loop. The connection and knot should be placed as far from the trunk as possible. o Place the end of the tie through the self-locking loop against the stake, then pull it through until the desired tightness is reached.
 ▪ Ties should allow the trunk to move up to three times (3x) its diameter in all directions. Ties that are too loose will not support the tree properly, and ties that are applied too tightly will not allow the tree to develop the supporting roots and reaction wood that will be necessary once the stake is removed. Over-tightened

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185 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. stake ties can also lead to the trunk snapping above the tie point in heavy winds and are more likely to become embedded in the trunk sooner as the tree grows. o Secure the ties to the stake with a small nail driven through the self-locking loop to hold them in place and prevent the end from sliding back through the loop. After the tie is secured, the remaining end of the tie can be cut off.
o A second pair of ties should be installed in the same manner at approximately half the distance between the first set of ties and ground level. o The top of the stakes should be cut off approximately one inch (1”) above the attachment point of the top ties and at least six inches (6”) below the lower branches of the canopy.

Figure 5.11: New Tree Installation Specification.

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Tree Stake Inspection
Stakes and ties should be inspected at least once every six (6) months after installation until they are removed. Broken or loose stakes and/or ties need to be replaced. The contact point between the tie and the trunk will also be inspected for signs that the tie is constricting trunk growth. The tie will be loosened or replaced if it is constricting trunk growth or becoming embedded in the bark.

Tree Stake Removal
Tree stakes should remain in place for a minimum of twelve (12) months and a maximum of eighteen (18) months after installation. If, after the eighteen-month period, the tree has not developed sufficient support roots to prevent movement of the root plate when the trunk is moved, or cannot stand upright once the stakes are removed, a Certified Arborist should inspect the tree and its roots to determine the appropriate course of action.

WATERING FOR NEW TREES
The first one to two years after planting are a critical period for young trees as they transition from the ideal nursery growing conditions to the site conditions in an urban setting. The initial root system, confined to the nursery container, must expand into the surrounding soils at the planting site if the roots' uptake capacity will be sufficient to replace increased transpiration water loss in the urban setting and support the growth of the trunk and canopy. Supplemental water will need to be provided to help the tree through this stage and become established in the urban forest.

The process for new tree installation must include a plan to provide the water needed to support the trees during the establishment period. Details on water management are discussed as part of the cultural practices. The general scheduling guidelines, based on species water-use requirements, have been duplicated in Table 5.7 for reference. The water requirements for each species are listed in Table 5.1. This is only a general schedule and may need to be adjusted based on the specific environmental conditions at the planting site.

For sites with automatic irrigation systems, schedules can be set to provide the necessary water based on species needs and site conditions. The system should be tested at the time of tree installation to ensure it provides enough water to fill the water basin and that the spray from overhead sprinklers does not hit the tree trunk. For sites that will be hand watered, the schedule and responsible party will be identified prior to installation. Watering should be done with a shower nozzle whenever possible to reduce soil erosion in the basin. Any soil disturbance caused by watering will be repaired before leaving the site. The berm around the watering basin will be inspected at each visit and repaired as needed before watering the tree.

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Water Usage June - October November - May
Very Low 1x per week
1x per week
(0 – 3 months after installation)

Every other week
(3 months + after installation)
Low
2x per week
(0 – 3 months after installation)

1x per week
(3 months + after installation)
1x per week
Moderate 2x per week 2x per week
Table 5.7: General Watering Schedule Based on Water Usage.

STRUCTURAL PRUNING
A structural pruning plan will be developed for each newly planted tree within six (6) months of installation. The plan will address the goals in Figure 5.12 and any site-specific conditions, such as clearance for adjacent buildings, traffic signals, or signs. Strategic pruning of smaller branches will encourage growth away from areas of conflict with these structures and reduce the need to remove larger branches at a later date. Pruning at the time of installation should be avoided, except to remove dead or broken branches, so the tree’s resources can be allocated to root growth and adaptation to the new environmental conditions.

Figure 5.12: Structural Pruning for Young Trees.

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MONITORING OF NEWLY PLANTED TREES
For hand-watered trees, scheduled visits will provide an opportunity to evaluate tree health and site conditions. Trees showing signs of pests, disease, stress, or other signs of declining health will be reported immediately to the Director of Public Works, and a note will be added to the site in the City’s Electronic Inventory Software System. Follow-up action will be at the discretion of the Director of Public Works, Superintendent, or the Tree Maintenance Supervisor.

Prior to installing new trees at planting sites to be watered by an automatic irrigation system, a schedule of monitoring visits will be developed, with the responsible party assigned. These visits will occur weekly for the first three months after installation and then biweekly through the first year. After year one, the frequency of visits can remain biweekly or transition to monthly at the discretion of the Director of Public Works, Superintendent, or the Tree Maintenance Supervisor.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The overarching guiding principle for this Strategic Plan is to maximize the benefits that trees provide to the entire Carson Community. Those benefits include:
• Beautifying the landscape
• Improving air quality
• Releasing oxygen into the atmosphere
• Absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
• Providing sound barriers
• Serving as a windbreak
• Providing direct and indirect positive economic property value • Capturing storm water
• Reducing soil erosion
• Reducing runoff
• Reducing water consumption in the landscape
• Providing shade and cooling for homes and leisure
• Reducing heat islands
• Providing habitat for wildlife
Achievement of the main guiding principle is reliant on these additional component principles and guidelines.
• Maintaining healthy, well-structured trees within the urban forest by following the Best Management Practices and Standards as developed by the International Society of Arboriculture and the American National Standards Institute and presented in the previous sections of this UFMP.
• Practicing adaptive management, adapting to new scientific information, industry understanding, and changes in climate that may require periodic updates in practices and standards. • Protecting and conserving limited water resources by reducing the water requirements to sustain the urban forest.
• Reducing property damage and injury to persons by replacing trees that pose a higher risk based on species profile and history of failure within the City of Carson.

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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
This section outlines six strategic goals to guide the management of Carson’s urban forest. The goals follow the structure used in urban forest management plans and are organized into three domains:
the tree resource itself (Goals 1 and 2), the City’s management capacity (Goals 3, 4, and 5), and the community that sustains it (Goal 6). Each goal is supported by objectives and specific management actions, and each includes measures to assess progress.

The goals are designed to complement existing efforts such as Chapter 3-9 of the Municipal Code, the Parkway Tree Master Plan with its approved species list, the 21-zone trimming program, the Carson 2040 General Plan, and the City’s Climate Action Plan, rather than to replace them.

STRATEGIC GOAL 1
Expand and evenly distribute tree canopy in all Carson neighborhoods.

Carson’s population of about 91,000 residents lives alongside roughly 175 industrial sites, five refineries, and freight corridors linked to the San Pedro Bay ports. Census tracts throughout the city rank among the highest statewide for pollution burden according to CalEnviroScreen. Canopy serves as the city’s most cost-effective solution for reducing surface temperatures, capturing particulate matter, and shielding residential areas from industrial and truck-route noise—provided it is installed in locations with the highest pollution burden rather than simply where planting is easiest.

Objective 1.1 — Establish a defensible canopy baseline. • Commission a high-resolution urban tree canopy (UTC) assessment using LiDAR and NAIP imagery, reporting existing canopy, potential planting area, and impervious cover by census tract, council area, and land use category.
• Separate public canopy (parkway, park, median, City facility) from private and industrial canopy to ensure responsibility for each is clear.
• Repeat the UTC assessment every five to seven years using the same methodology so changes are measurable rather than anecdotal.

Objective 1.2 — Adopt a citywide canopy target and neighborhood-level subtargets. • Establish a feasible citywide canopy goal based on the available planting area, and formalize it through a Council resolution with a specified target year. • Set more ambitious percentage-gain subtargets for areas with the least canopy, highest CalEnviroScreen scores, and highest surface temperatures—focusing on equity by measuring the progress made, rather than just tree distribution.
• Exclude land where planting is physically or legally infeasible from the target to keep the goal credible.

Objective 1.3 — Fill every viable public planting site. • Inventory and map all vacant parkway sites, empty tree wells, and plantable median and park space, and publish the vacancy count as a standing performance metric. • Establish an annual planting goal that surpasses documented removals, and provide a report each fiscal year comparing planted and removed amounts.

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192 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. • Focus on planting along residential streets bordering industrial areas, on key truck routes, and near schools, parks, senior housing, and transit stops.

Objective 1.4 — Extend canopy onto private and non-residential land. • Offer a resident yard-tree program that provides free or subsidized shade trees, planting guidance, and first-year care instructions.
• Collaborate with industrial and logistics property owners to enhance perimeter and parking lot planting, focusing on dust control, heat reduction, and neighbor relations.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2
Build a diverse, climate-ready forest suited to Carson’s soils, water, and pest pressures.

Much of Carson's land consists of former agricultural, oil-production, and filled ground, including areas with shallow groundwater, alkaline and clay soils, and localized soil-gas conditions. The city is also within the range of the polyphagous and Kuroshio shot hole borers, the South American palm weevil, and other emerging pests. Its proximity to the coast exposes trees to salt air and occasional Santa Ana wind events. A forest dominated by a few species or a single age class is vulnerable to significant loss.

Objective 2.1 — Diversify species, genus, and family composition. • Adopt the 10-20-30 diversity standard as City policy: no single species above 10 percent of the public tree population, no genus above 20 percent, and no family above 30 percent. • Identify taxa that are currently overrepresented in the inventory and limit further planting of these until the composition targets are achieved.
• Implement diversity targets both at the neighborhood level and citywide to prevent any single street or tract from becoming monocultural.

Objective 2.2 — Update the Parkway Tree Master Plan species list. • Revise the approved species list adopted under CMC § 3-9903 to add climate-adapted, drought-tolerant, and pollution-tolerant species and to remove species with demonstrated failure rates under Carson conditions.
• Screen each listed species for their tolerance to alkaline and compacted soils, shallow groundwater, salt exposure, and their susceptibility to shot hole borer and palm weevil. • Match species to site based on parkway width, overhead utility presence, and available soil volume. Then, publish the list in a format accessible to residents, contractors, and developers. • Implement a species-trial program with small groups of promising climate-ready species, monitored over time before widespread adoption.

Objective 2.3 — Balance the age and size-class distribution. • Report the public tree population according to diameter classes and establish a target distribution to promote ongoing canopy renewal instead of abrupt losses. • Develop a phased, block-by-block reforestation plan to replace aging and over-mature street trees proactively, before they fail, instead of removing them reactively.

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Objective 2.4 — Prepare for pest and disease outbreaks. • Implement an early-detection and rapid-response protocol for invasive pests like shot hole borers, South American palm weevil, and others. This should include staff and contractor training on how to identify these pests.
• Coordinate detection and reporting efforts with the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, CAL FIRE, and neighboring South Bay jurisdictions.

STRATEGIC GOAL 3
Move from reactive response to proactive, data-driven urban forest management.

CMC § 3-9904 already requires the Public Works Division to develop and maintain a current inventory of all City-owned trees, including site characteristics and work histories. § 3-9914 establishes 21 trimming zones to service seven zones annually on a three-year cycle. The strategic question is not whether these standards exist but whether performance against them is measured, funded, and sustained. Cyclical care is also the most cost-effective form of risk management: routinely pruned trees fail less often and generate fewer claims than trees serviced only on complaint.

Objective 3.1 — Complete and continuously maintain the tree inventory. • Complete a GPS-located inventory of all City-maintained trees, capturing species, diameter, condition, clearance conflicts, hardscape conflicts, and maintenance history, plus all vacant planting sites.
• Host the inventory in a system integrated with the City’s work-order and GIS platforms so that every planting, pruning, inspection, and removal automatically updates the record. • Designate data ownership and establish a regular update schedule to ensure the inventory remains accurate between planning cycles.

Objective 3.2 — Deliver and verify the cyclical pruning program. • Monitor and publicly disclose zone completion in relation to the § 3-9914 target of seven zones annually, and highlight the funding shortfall when this cycle is not achieved. • Establish a separate structural pruning cycle for young trees on a shorter interval than for mature trees.
• Include ANSI A300 pruning standards and ISA Best Management Practices in all contracts, ensuring a City-side inspection and quality assurance process instead of relying solely on contractor self-certification.

Objective 3.3 — Manage risk systematically.
• Adopt a documented tree risk assessment program using the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) methodology, prioritizing inspections at high-occupancy sites such as parks, schools, transit stops, and civic facilities.
• Keep a documented record of all risk findings and the mitigation actions taken to ensure public safety and defend against claims.
• Define a storm and emergency response protocol covering assessment priority, mutual aid, and post-event documentation.

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Objective 3.4 — Close the removal-to-replacement loop.
• Require that every City tree removed under CMC § 3-9924 be replaced at a specified ratio within a specified timeframe, and that any infeasible site be replanted elsewhere in the same neighborhood.
• Monitor the survival of newly planted trees over three years and report the survival rate instead of simply counting the trees at planting.
• Implement a mandatory two- to three-year watering and maintenance program for all new plantings.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4
Protect the existing canopy with stronger policies and review.

A mature tree cannot be replaced by a fifteen-gallon sapling; safeguarding existing trees offers the highest return on investment. CMC § 3934 protects parkway and City trees, imposing a $1,000 or appraised value penalty for unauthorized removal, and mandates replacement within 60 days of notice. However, its jurisdiction ends at the right-of-way. As warehouses, logistics hubs, and industrial developments expand across the city, the greatest threat to the tree canopy comes from private and non-residential parcels, where no comparable protections are in place.

Objective 4.1 — Modernize the tree ordinance.
• Revise Chapters 3-9 to specify a clear no-net-loss policy for City trees, including a defined replacement ratio for healthy trees removed for reasons other than hazards. • Assess the possibility of expanding protection to significant, heritage, and native trees on private lands, as well as to trees on large commercial and industrial sites, establishing clear criteria and an appeal process.
• Require mitigation measures based on appraisal for unauthorized removal or damage, following the current Guide for Plant Appraisal and aligning with the existing § 3-9934 framework.

Objective 4.2 — Treat hardscape conflict as a design issue, not a removal trigger. • Before invoking removal under § 3-9924(f) for improvement damage, require documented consideration of root pruning, standard, flexible, or ramped paving, curb realignment, root barriers, or sidewalk meandering.
• Implement standard guidelines for root-friendly sidewalk repairs and mandate their application in the City’s pavement and ADA initiatives.

Objective 4.3 — Build tree requirements into development entitlement. • Implement minimum parking lot shading rules with a clear canopy-at-maturity standard and include a post-occupancy check to verify compliance.
• Establish landscape and perimeter buffer standards for warehouse, logistics, and industrial projects, incorporating higher requirements when a project borders residential areas, a school, or a park.

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195 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. • Require tree protection zones, fencing, and arborist oversight during construction, building on the protective measures already set out in § 3-9928, and require an inspection sign-off before finalization.

Objective 4.4 — Give trees the soil they need to reach maturity. • Adopt minimum soil volume standards per tree for new and reconstructed streetscapes and private developments, using structural soil, suspended pavement systems, or connected planting strips.
• Require permeable surfacing or expanded tree wells in areas with narrow parkways and limited tree size, and incorporate tree planting into stormwater capture efforts when implementing green infrastructure or Safe Clean Water projects.

STRATEGIC GOAL 5
Secure funding, staffing, and capacity to sustain the urban forest.

All other objectives in this plan hinge on this fundamental point. Urban forestry initiatives often fall short not due to flawed goals, but because canopy targets are set without ensuring the necessary recurring funding, skilled staff, and cross-departmental authority to achieve them. Carson heavily depends on contracted tree services; CMC § 3-9922 mandates that the City’s contractor employs a full-time ISA Certified Arborist. However, the City itself must develop comparable in-house expertise to define standards, oversee inspections, and justify the work.

Objective 5.1 — Establish dedicated in-house arboricultural capacity. • Create and fill a City Urban Forester or Urban Forestry Supervisor position requiring ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ credentials, with clear authority over species selection, planting, pruning specifications, removal approvals, and development review. • Fund ongoing certification and continuing education programs for Public Works personnel responsible for inspecting and managing tree contracts. • Designate a specific position to be responsible for the tree inventory, annual report, and grant administration instead of assigning these tasks to a department overall.

Objective 5.2 — Fund the program at the level the standards require. • Determine and disclose the yearly cost per tree needed to fulfill the § 3-9914 pruning schedule, planting goals, and establishment care plan, then show the difference between this figure and existing funding.
• Create a separate urban forestry budget line distinct from general street maintenance to ensure that funding for trees is visible and not overshadowed by other competing needs. • Direct in-lieu fees, mitigation payments, and appraisal-based penalties collected under Chapter 3-9 are deposited into a restricted tree fund, which is used exclusively for planting and establishment care.

Objective 5.3 — Pursue external funding aggressively and strategically. • Maintain a continuous pipeline of applications for various funding opportunities, including CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry grants, USDA Forest Service urban forestry initiatives, Los Angeles County Measure A and Safe Clean Water funding, SCAQMD and AB 617

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196 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. community programs, and California Climate Investments. Carson’s disadvantaged-community status provides a competitive edge in nearly all these cases. • Maintain the UTC assessment, tree inventory, and this plan to ensure they are up-to-date, as most major funders mandate an approved management plan and reliable baseline data. • Consider mitigation and community-benefit agreements with industrial and logistics operators as ongoing sources of funding for planting and maintenance.

Objective 5.4 — Integrate urban forestry across City functions. • Align this plan’s targets with the Carson 2040 General Plan, the City’s Climate Action Plan, capital improvement programming, and the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to ensure canopy is included as a clear objective in each.
• Create a regular interdepartmental review process involving Public Works, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and Engineering for any projects that impact trees. • Coordinate proactively with Southern California Edison, utility providers, and Caltrans on line clearance practices to ensure that utility pruning aligns with the City’s canopy and species standards.

STRATEGIC GOAL 6
Grow community stewardship, fairly distribute benefits, and report progress publicly.

Carson’s population is about 39% Latino, 27% Asian—mainly Filipino—and 22% Black, with a large immigrant community. The survival of a street tree in its first three summers largely depends on actions taken on neighboring properties, making residents key collaborators rather than passive observers. Building community trust is essential; following the 2021 Dominguez Channel hydrogen sulfide crisis and years of industrial exposure, engagement that only occurs when the city seeks something will likely fail.

Objective 6.1 — Engage residents in the language and settings they actually use. • Ensure that all urban forestry outreach materials, planting notices, removal notices, and request forms are available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog at a minimum. • Engage in outreach via schools, faith organizations, senior centers, homeowner and neighborhood groups, and community events instead of depending on public hearings and the City website.
• Allow residents to have an authentic voice in block-level planting choices, such as selecting preferred species from the approved list and choosing to decline, while clarifying that refusing incurs cumulative costs.

Objective 6.2 — Build durable stewardship partnerships. • Establish formal partnerships with regional and local organizations such as TreePeople, California ReLeaf affiliates, California State University Dominguez Hills, and the Carson school community to coordinate planting events, provide care training, and conduct monitoring. • Create a volunteer tree steward or block captain program that offers basic training in watering, mulching, and caring for young trees, along with recognition for those involved.

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Objective 6.3 — Use the urban forest to create local opportunity. • Create a pathway for green jobs and workforce development in collaboration with California State University Dominguez Hills, local community colleges, and workforce programs, culminating in ISA certification and careers in arboriculture. • Incorporate local hire provisions and apprenticeship opportunities into City tree maintenance contracts wherever legally allowed.

Objective 6.4 — Make performance transparent and accountable. • Publish an annual report card on the urban forest that includes data on trees planted, trees removed, pruning zones completed, survival rate, canopy trend, funding secured, and progress toward equity targets.
• Create a publicly accessible tree map along with an online service request system that tracks response times.
• Aim to achieve and sustain Tree City USA recognition, and provide an annual report to the City Council on the plan's progress.
• Review and update this plan formally every five years, conducting a complete canopy and inventory reassessment with each update.

Sources
• City of Carson Municipal Code, CHAPTER 9: CITY TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION - City of Carson, CA
• CalEnviroScreen 4.0, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

CalEnviroScreen 4.0 - OEHHA
• CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry grant program guidelines; USDA Forest Service urban and community forestry programs. Urban and Community Forestry Grants | CAL FIRE • City of Carson, City of Carson, CA
• City of Carson, South Bay Cities Climate Action Plan (2017). — CAP.pdf • City of Carson, 2040 General Plan / Housing Element. — Carson 2040 General Plan Update Introduction chapter (PDF)
• City of Carson, Energy & Sustainability — Climate Action Efforts. — Energy & Sustainability • City of Carson, Operations & Street Maintenance. — Operations & Street Maintenance

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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PUBLIC EDUCATION / OUTREACH
Carson's urban forest outreach is in the initial phase, aiming to involve the community. The City has secured a grant from the USDA Forest Service's Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program to create an Urban Forest Master Plan. This funded project includes Public Works' role in engaging the community, preparing for canopy loss, developing neighborhood planting plans, and monitoring canopy changes. Carson has started a community outreach survey about the urban forest and launched a benefits webpage for Carson's urban forest. Additionally, they are planning Arbor Day events, tree giveaways, and ongoing community activities related to trees. Since the City has not previously run a tree-specific participation program, these activities form the foundation of Carson's urban forest community engagement.

At urban forest events, volunteers collaborate with City staff and forestry experts to learn correct tree- planting techniques, watering, and establishment practices. They also gain insight into the significance of trees for enhancing environmental quality and community well-being. Participants get practical experience and educational guidance on choosing trees, planting methods, long-term care, and the numerous benefits trees offer.

Furthermore, Arbor Day activities foster urban forestry awareness through community participation, educational presentations at local schools, and various outreach initiatives. These actions aim to increase public understanding of how trees enhance air quality, mitigate urban heat, beautify neighborhoods, support wildlife habitats, and elevate residents' overall quality of life.

TREE CITY USA STATUS
In 1976, to promote the many benefits of the urban forest to communities, the Arbor Day Foundation established the Tree City USA program. The program recognizes cities across the country for their commitment to maximizing the benefits the urban forest provides to the community by expanding canopy cover and properly maintaining trees. The goals and vision in this UFMP demonstrate the City of Carson's commitment to the principles of the Tree City USA program. To celebrate that vision, the City seeks Tree City USA recognition and to retain this designation in perpetuity.

There are four (4) standards a city must meet to be recognized under the Tree City USA program [Summary of Cities standing]. Cities that meet these standards are recognized as Tree City USA:

1. A Tree Board or Department: The Public Works Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of public trees within the city of Carson at the discretion of the Director, Superintendent and Tree Maintenance Supervisor.

2. A Public Tree Care Ordinance: The City of Carson has an established Tree Ordinance meeting this requirement (Appendix E).

3. A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita: The population of the City of Carson as of the July 2025 Census was nearly 91,000. To meet the $ 2-per- capita budget requirement, the City would need to allocate $182,000. The current City Urban Forestry budget is $1,000,000 as of July 2026.

4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation: Beginning in April 2027 and in subsequent years, the city of Carson will host an Arbor Day tree planting event.

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CARING FOR PRIVATE TREES
Professionally maintained trees will provide long-lasting benefits to residents and help improve the environment. Residents and business owners are encouraged to seek out and contract with licensed and certified tree care professionals. Public outreach to educate the community about the benefits trees provide and how to properly maintain trees in good health is essential to achieving the urban forest goals described in this UFMP.

RESOURCES FOR HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESSES
The City of Carson recognizes that achieving the goal of a healthy urban forest that provides the greatest benefit to the community requires the participation and cooperation of community members.

The public outreach and education demonstrate the City’s understanding and commitment to that idea. The practices for species selection, tree installation, cultural care, mature tree protection, and tree maintenance presented in this UFMP provide guidance for Homeowner and Business participation in achieving these goals. Additional resources are available in Appendix G and through forestry agencies and professional organizations, with a few examples provided below.

Trees Are Good
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

www.treesaregood.org

California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection Urban Forestry Program

https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/natural-
resource-management/urban-and-community-
forestry
United States Forest Service

https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/trees

University of California Agriculture and
Natural Resources Master Gardener
Program

https://mg.ucanr.edu/

APPENDIX A – REFERENCES AND

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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References
Appendix B contains links to the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices and the American National Standards Institute A300 Standards, which form the foundation of this Urban Forest Management Plan.

The list below includes all sources cited in the plan, as well as the standards, best management practices, and professional manuals referenced during the preparation of this Urban Forest Management Plan.

American National Standards Institute. (2023). ANSI A300 tree care standards: Consolidated standard. Tree Care Industry Association. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4645/cid/117/ American National Standards Institute. (2026). ANSI Z133-2026: Safety and health requirements for arboricultural operations. Tree Care Industry Association. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/122/cid/117/ Arbor Day Foundation. (n.d.). Tree City USA standards. https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa Bassett, C., Donohue, K., & Gilpin, R. (2022). Tree care for wildlife best management practices.

Western Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture. https://treecareforbirds.com Bernick, S., & Smiley, E. T. (2022). Best management practices: Tree injection (2nd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4483/cid/117/ California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. (n.d.-a). Urban and community forestry grants. https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grants California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. (n.d.-b). Urban and community forestry program. https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/natural-resource-management/urban-and-community-forestry California Department of Pesticide Regulation. (n.d.). Agricultural pest control adviser licensing.

California Environmental Protection Agency.

California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. (n.d.). CalEnviroScreen 4.0. https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-40 Center for Invasive Species Research. (n.d.). South American palm weevil. University of California, Riverside. https://cisr.ucr.edu/invasive-species/south-american-palm-weevil City of Carson. (n.d.-a). Carson 2040 general plan. https://www.carson2040.com City of Carson. (n.d.-b). Energy and sustainability: Climate action efforts. https://carsonca.gov/services/energy_and_sustainability/ City of Carson. (n.d.-c). Local hazard mitigation plan.

City of Carson. (n.d.-d). Municipal code, Chapter 3-9: City tree preservation and protection. https://ecode360.com/47241553
City of Carson. (n.d.-e). Operations and street maintenance. https://carsonca.gov/services/operations___street_maintenance City of Carson. (n.d.-f). Parkway tree master plan and approved species list.

City of Carson, & South Bay Cities Council of Governments. (2017). South Bay Cities climate action plan. https://ci.carson.ca.us/content/files/pdfs/planning/CAP.pdf

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Costello, L. R., Watson, G., Smiley, E. T., & Hauer, R. (2023). Best management practices: Root management (2nd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa- arbor.com/store/product/4291/cid/117/
Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. (n.d.). Guide for plant appraisal (10th ed.). International Society of Arboriculture.

Dunster, J. A., Lilly, S., Smiley, E. T., Matheny, N., Brantley, B., Kane, B., & Klein, R. (2025). Tree risk assessment manual (3rd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa- arbor.com/store/product/442/
Esri. (n.d.). ArcGIS Pro [Computer software]. https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-pro/overview Goodfellow, J. W. (2020). Best management practices: Utility tree risk assessment. International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4430/ International Society of Arboriculture. (n.d.). Trees are good consumer education series. https://www.treesaregood.org
i-Tree. (n.d.). i-Tree Eco [Computer software]. USDA Forest Service. https://www.itreetools.org Lilly, S. J., Gilman, E. F., & Smiley, E. T. (2019). Best management practices: Pruning (3rd ed.).

International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/58/cid/117/ Los Angeles County. (n.d.). Measure A (Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks) and Measure W (Safe, Clean Water Program).

Matheny, N., Smiley, E. T., Gilpin, R., & Hauer, R. (2023). Best management practices: Managing trees during construction (3rd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa- arbor.com/store/product/139/cid/117/
Miller, R. H. (2021). Best management practices: Integrated vegetation management (3rd ed.).

International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/101/cid/117/ Scharenbroch, B. C., & Smiley, E. T. (2021). Best management practices: Soil management for urban trees (2nd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/863/cid/117/ Smiley, E. T., & Lilly, S. (2014). Best management practices: Tree support systems—Cabling, bracing, guying, and propping (3rd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa- arbor.com/store/product/135/cid/117/
Smiley, E. T., Graham, A. W., Jr., & Cullen, S. (2015). Best management practices: Tree lightning protection systems (3rd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa- arbor.com/store/product/136/cid/117/
Smiley, E. T., Lilly, S., Werner, L., & Brantley, B. (2020). Best management practices: Tree and shrub fertilization (4th ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/138/cid/117/ Smiley, E. T., Matheny, N., Lilly, S., Kane, B., Klein, R., & Brantley, B. (2025). Best management practices: Tree risk assessment (3rd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa- arbor.com/store/product/324/cid/117/
South Coast Air Quality Management District. (n.d.). AB 617 community air protection program.

Underground Service Alert of Southern California. (n.d.). DigAlert. https://www.digalert.org University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.-a). Master gardener program. https://mg.ucanr.edu

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University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.-b). UC statewide integrated pest management program. https://ipm.ucanr.edu
University of California Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

University of California, Davis, & California Department of Water Resources. (n.d.). Water use classification of landscape species (WUCOLS IV). https://wucols-frontend.ucdavis.edu Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute. (n.d.). SelecTree: A tree selection guide. California Polytechnic State University. https://selectree.calpoly.edu
Urban Salvaged and Reclaimed Woods, Inc. (n.d.). USRW certified wood standards. https://www.usrwcertified.com
Urban Wood Network. (n.d.). Urban Wood Network [Website]. https://urbanwoodnetwork.org U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. (2024). National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (2023). Urban and community forestry program:

Inflation Reduction Act notice of funding opportunity. https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/UCF-IRA-NOFO- 04122023.pdf
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Learn about trees. https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/trees U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Heat island effect. https://www.epa.gov/heatislands Watson, G. (2014). Best management practices: Tree planting (2nd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/104/cid/117/ West Coast Arborists, Inc. (n.d.). ArborAccess [Computer software].

Wiseman, P. E., & Raupp, M. J. (2016). Best management practices: Integrated pest management (2nd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/79/cid/117/ Wiseman, P. E., Endahl, J., & Christensen, B. (2025). Best management practices: Tree inventories (3rd ed.). International Society of Arboriculture. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/137/

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Glossary of Arboricultural Terms
Definitions in this glossary are drawn from the Glossary of Arboricultural Terms, 2020 edition, International Society of Arboriculture. Only terms used in this Urban Forest Management Plan are included.

A300. American National Standard for Tree Care Operations.

Abiotic. Nonliving.

Absorbing roots. Fine roots with functional root hairs that are responsible for the uptake of water and minerals.

Acidity. State or quality of being acid (see pH; contrast with alkalinity).

Adaptability. Genetic ability of plants and other living organisms to adjust or acclimate to different environments.

Advanced assessment. Assessment performed to provide detailed information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions. Specialized equipment, data collection and analysis, and/or expertise are usually required.

Aeration. Provision of air to the soil to allow root and microbial respiration.

Aesthetic. Pleasing to the senses, visually or otherwise.

ALB. Asian longhorned beetle.

Alkalinity. State or quality of being alkaline (see pH; contrast with acidity).

Anaerobic. Without — or with a restricted supply of — air. Process that occurs in the absence of oxygen.

Anatomy. 1) Study of the structure and composition of plants and other living organisms. 2) Structure and composition of plants and other living organisms (contrast with morphology, physiology, and taxonomy).

ANSI. American National Standards Institute.

Anthracnose. Disease caused by a fungus that induces expanding, spreading necrosis of leaves and succulent shoots, and produces asexual spores in small blister-like fruiting bodies called acervuli.

Aphid. Minute, soft-bodied insect that sucks sap from plants.

Appraisal. 1) Act or process of developing an opinion of value, cost, or some other specified assignment result. 2) A report stating an opinion of appraised value. 3) Particularly outside the United States, an evaluation of nonmonetary landscape or plant characteristics.

Arboriculture. Practice and study of the care of trees and other woody plants in the landscape.

Arborist. Professional who possesses the technical competence, through experience and related training, to provide for or supervise the management of trees and other woody plants in residential, commercial, and public landscapes.

ASCA. American Society of Consulting Arborists.

Auger. Tool that bores holes in wood or other materials while carrying cuttings away from the bored hole (see soil probe).

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Augmentation. In Plant Health Care, the release of beneficial organisms to suppress pest populations.

Backfill. 1) Soil or amended soil used to fill the hole when planting a tree. 2) Soil, common fill, aggregates, or contaminants in various combinations put back after an excavation. May not be suitable for tree root growth and function.

Balled and burlapped (B&B). Tree or other plant dug and removed from the ground for transplanting, with the roots and soil wrapped in burlap or a burlap-like fabric (contrast with bare root, container grown, and containerized).

Bare root. 1) Tree or other plant removed from the ground for replanting without soil around the roots (contrast with balled and burlapped, container grown, and containerized). 2) The harvesting or transplanting of a tree or other plant without soil around the roots.

Bark. Protective outer covering of branches and stems that arises from the cork cambium.

Bark beetle. Insect of order Coleoptera that feeds and reproduces in galleries produced in the inner bark and bark–sapwood interface of trees.

Basic assessment (Level 2). Detailed visual inspection of a tree and surrounding site that may include the use of simple tools. It requires that a tree risk assessor inspect completely around the tree trunk, looking at the visible aboveground roots, trunk, branches, and site.

Berm. Wall or mound of soil that directs, diverts, or holds water; screens objectionable views or reduces objectionable noise; or provides additional rooting volume for trees or other plants.

Best management practices (BMP). Best-available, industry-recognized courses of action, in consideration of the benefits and limitations, based on scientific research and current knowledge and standards.

Biodegradable. Capable of being broken down by natural, organic processes and reabsorbed into the environment.

Biodiversity. Biological diversity in an environment as indicated by number of different species of plants and animals.

Biological control. 1) Method of managing plant pests or weeds through the use of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens. 2) Management of vegetation by establishment and conservation of compatible, stable plant communities using plant competition, allelopathy, animals, insects, or pathogens.

Blight. Any disease or disorder, regardless of the causal agent, that rapidly kills flowers, leaves, or young stems that are then typically retained (i.e., not shed) by the plant.

BMP. Best management practices.

Borer. Any of several insects that tunnel into wood, potentially causing severe damage; usually the larvae of certain moths and beetles.

Bracing. Installation of lag-threaded screws or threaded steel rods in limbs, leaders, or trunks to provide supplemental support to weak branch unions.

Branch. Secondary shoot or stem in a woody plant; generally smaller than the parent.

Branch bark ridge. Raised strip of bark at the top of a branch union, where the growth and expansion of the trunk or parent stem and adjoining branch push the bark into a ridge.

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Branch collar. Swollen area where a branch joins the trunk or another branch that is created by the overlapping vascular tissues from both the branch and the trunk.

Branch union. Point where a branch originates from the trunk or another branch (see crotch).

Broad-spectrum pesticide. Pesticide that kills a large number of unrelated species.

Bud. Undeveloped flower or shoot containing a meristematic growing point. Small lateral or terminal protuberance on the stem of a plant that may develop into a flower or shoot.

Burlap. Coarsely woven cloth made from fibers of jute, flax, hemp, or synthetic materials. Also referred to as Hessian.

Buttress roots. Roots at the trunk base that help support the tree and equalize mechanical stress.

Cabling. Installation of steel or synthetic cable in a tree to provide supplemental support to weak branches or branch unions.

Caliper. Thickness or diameter of the trunk of a tree taken at a standard height, used in specifying nursery stock.

Callus. Undifferentiated tissue formed by the cambium, usually as the result of wounding (contrast with woundwood).

Canker. Discrete, localized, usually necrotic area on stems, roots, and branches. Often sunken and discolored. Most canker diseases require laboratory isolation and microscopic examination to positively identify.

Canopy. Collective branches and foliage of a tree or group of trees' crowns. Aggregate or collective tree crowns.

Carbon dioxide. Colorless gas, soluble in water, used by green plants to make carbohydrates during photosynthesis; CO₂.

Carbon sequestration. Capturing and storage of carbon. Most often used in reference to the capturing and retention of atmospheric carbon dioxide through biological, chemical, or physical processes.

Caterpillar. Larvae of insects in the order Lepidoptera.

Causal agent. Biotic or abiotic agent that induces a disease or disorder.

Cavity. Open or closed hollow within a tree stem, branch, or root, usually associated with decay.

Cell. Basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.

Certification. Voluntary process by which a nongovernmental body grants time-limited recognition and use of a credential to individuals who have demonstrated that they have met predetermined and standardized criteria for required knowledge, skills, or competencies.

Certified arborist. See ISA Certified Arborist®.

Chemical control. 1) Control of pests using conventional, manufactured pesticides. 2) Management of incompatible vegetation through the use of herbicides or growth regulators.

Chewing insect. Insect with mouthparts adapted for feeding by chewing (e.g., beetles, caterpillars).

Chlorosis. Whitish or yellowish leaf discoloration caused by lack of chlorophyll. Often caused by nutrient deficiency.

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Circling roots. Roots that grow in a circular pattern when a plant is confined in the same container longer than necessary. If not corrected, root pattern will prevent a tree from establishing well when transplanted and will create future problems, such as blow-over, girdling roots, and strangulation.

Clay. 1) Soil particles with a typical grain size less than 0.004 mm. 2) A soil predominantly composed of such particles (contrast with sand and silt).

Cleaning. See Crown cleaning.

Clearance. 1) Amount of open space between a tree or tree part and another object, the ground, or pedestrian or vehicle traffic on the ground. 2) In an electric utility system, or utility arboriculture, the distance between trees and utility lines. 3) The creation or maintenance of these distances by qualified line-clearance personnel.

Client. The person or organization for whom professional services are rendered. Usually, the owner or manager responsible for the trees.

Codominant stems. Forked branches or stems of nearly the same diameter, arising from a common union and lacking a branch collar; may have included bark.

Compaction. See Soil compaction.

Compost. 1) n. Organic matter that has been intentionally subjected to decay processes and is more or less decomposed. 2) v. To subject organic matter to decay and decomposition processes.

Conifer. Cone-bearing tree or other plant that has its seeds in a structure called a cone.

Conk. Bracket- or shelf-shaped fruiting body of a decay fungus found on living or dead trees or coarse woody debris. Often associated with wood or bark decay.

Consequences. Effects or outcome of an event. In tree risk assessment, consequences include personal injury, property damage, or disruption of activities due to the event.

Conservation. Planned management of natural resources to maintain value and contributions; prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect; and minimize negative impact from human activity.

Container grown. Tree or other plant that has been grown and marketed in a container (contrast with balled and burlapped, bare root, and containerized).

Containerized. Field-grown plant placed into a container for a time and then sold as a potted plant.

Term does not include a plant initially grown in a container (contrast with balled and burlapped, bare root, and container grown).

Continuing education. Ongoing education, particularly for professionals required to attend or complete additional instruction or training to maintain certification, licensing, membership, or registration.

Cracks. Separation in wood fibers; narrow breaks or fissures in stems or branches. If severe, may result in tree or branch failure.

Credential. Professional certification, qualification, or certificate documenting that an individual has attained a generally accepted level of knowledge in a specific subject area or profession, such as tree work.

Critical root zone (CRZ). Area of soil around a tree where the minimum amount of roots considered critical to the structural stability or health of the tree are located. CRZ determination is sometimes

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Crotch. 1) n. Branch unions; the angle formed by two branches in the tree. 2) v. To place a line through a branch union.

Crown. Upper part of a tree, consisting of the branches and foliage; its length is measured from the lowest branch to the top of the tree.

Crown cleaning. In pruning, the selective removal of dead, dying, diseased, and broken branches from the tree crown.

Crown raising. In pruning, the selective removal of lower branches from a tree crown to provide clearance (see raising).

Crown reduction. Pruning to reduce the height and/or spread of a tree crown.

Crown restoration. Pruning to restore the natural growth habit of a tree that has been topped or damaged.

Crown thinning. In pruning, the selective removal of live branches to reduce crown density.

Cultivar. Cultivated variety of a species that cannot be reproduced without human assistance.

Usually propagated asexually (cloned) (contrast with variety).

Cultural control. Method of controlling plant pests by providing a growing environment favorable to the host plant and/or unfavorable to the pest (see Plant Health Care and integrated pest management).

Cycle. See Pruning cycle.

Decay. 1) n. The process of decomposition. 2) v. The process of degradation by microorganisms.

Deciduous. Tree or other plant that sheds all of its foliage annually (contrast with evergreen).

Decline. 1) Gradually diminishing health or condition of a tree. 2) A pattern of decline conditions in a particular species not necessarily associated with a single cause.

Decomposition. Breakdown or separation of a substance into simpler substances.

DED. Dutch elm disease.

Defect. Imperfection, weakness, or lack of something necessary. In trees, defects are injuries, growth patterns, decay, or other conditions that reduce the load-bearing capacity.

Deficiency. Pertaining to plant nutrition, lack or insufficient quantity of a required element.

Diagnosis. 1) Process of identifying a causal agent by analyzing signs, symptoms, site conditions, patterns, climate, cultural history, and other factors. 2) The conclusion reached from the process.

Diameter. Length of a straight line through the center of a circle and extending to the perimeter at both ends.

Diameter at standard height (DSH). Tree diameter measured at 4.5 ft (1.4 m) above the soil line in the United States and some other countries; at 1.3 m in the United Kingdom (in forestry applications), Canada, and other countries; and 1.5 m in UK arboriculture.

Directional pruning. Selective removal of branches to guide and/or discourage growth in a particular direction.

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Disease. Result of interaction over time of a pathogen or abiotic agent with a susceptible host in a conducive environment to interfere with one or more physiological functions or structures.

Disorder. Abnormal condition that impairs the performance of one or more vital functions. Often associated with noninfectious agents or abiotic factors.

Distribution lines. In an electric utility system, electric supply lines in a distribution network that carry power from substations to end users. Voltages are generally between 12,400 and 34,500 volts in distribution feeders, between 2,400 and 34,500 volts in primary lines, and between 110 and 750 volts in secondary and service lines (contrast with transmission lines).

Dormancy. Period of reduced physiological activity in a plant, with the potential for reactivation of growth.

Dormant. In a period of dormancy.

Dormant bud. Bud originally developed in a leaf axil and connected to the pith by a bud trace that has not been stimulated to mature and grow. Some buds remain dormant throughout the life of a woody plant.

Drip line. Imaginary line defined by the branch spread of a single plant or group of plants, projected onto the ground.

Drought. Period of unusually low precipitation.

EAB. Emerald ash borer.

Easement. Legal, nonpossessory interest in real property that conveys use or partial use, but not ownership, of all, or more typically a portion, of an owner's property.

Ecosystem. Complex system of living organisms and their environment.

Ecosystem services. Benefits people obtain from ecosystems such as trees providing shade, carbon sequestration, and improved air and water quality.

Electric utility. 1) Corporation, person, agency, authority, or other legal entity aligned with distribution facilities for delivering electricity to consumers. 2) The system of facilities maintained by an electric utility to carry out its operation.

Emergency response. Predetermined set of procedures by which emergency situations are assessed and handled.

EPA. US Environmental Protection Agency.

Erosion. Wearing away of the land by the movement of water, wind, or ice.

Establish. To grow, or cause a plant to grow, successfully in a new place. In forestry, may refer to initial planting and care; in landscaping, may refer to care after planting until the plant is growing successfully.

Evapotranspiration (ET). Loss of water by evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration by plants.

Evergreen. Tree or other plant that does not shed all of its foliage annually, but rather progressively over a period of years (contrast with deciduous).

Exotic species. Species of plant or other organism not native or indigenous to a region. May or may not be invasive (contrast with introduced species, native species, and naturalized species).

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Failure (of tree or tree part). Breakage of stem, branch, or roots, or loss of mechanical support in the root system.

Family. Taxonomic group under the order level and above the genus level.

Fertilization. Application of essential elements to a plant, usually through the soil.

Fertilizer. Material containing one or more of the elements essential for plant growth, development, and reproduction.

Flower. Organ of sexual reproduction in angiosperms.

Flush cut. Pruning cut made through and/or removing the branch collar, causing unnecessary injury to the trunk or parent stem.

Foliage. Leaves of a plant.

Frond. Large, divided leaf structure found in palms and ferns.

Fruit. Structure formed from the ovule of a flower; contains the seeds.

Functional value. Value of the environmental, aesthetic, or architectural functions of a plant.

Gall. Abnormal plant structure that develops in the cells, tissues, or organs of a plant only when it is colonized by certain parasitic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, mites, or insects.

Genus (pl. genera). Taxonomic group, composed of species having similar fundamental traits.

Botanical classification under the family level and above the species level.

Geographic information system (GIS). Computer application using longitude and latitude coordinates to place objects or specified locations on maps for reference to and/or analysis of other data describing the objects or locations. GIS combines spatial and descriptive data in different layers.

Girdling. Restriction, compression, or destruction of the vascular system within a root, stem, or branch that inhibits movement of sap in the phloem.

Girdling root. Root that encircles all or part of the tree trunk or the tree's other roots, constricting the vascular tissue and inhibiting secondary growth and the movement of water and photosynthates.

Global positioning system (GPS). Satellite-based application used for navigation and to gather field data, including locations of structures, vehicles, people, and geographic features.

Grade. 1) n. Surface level of the ground. 2) n. The slope, or percentage of change, in the surface level of the ground. 3) v. To change or groom the surface level or contours of the ground. 4) n. and v. Quality determination for nursery stock, timber, or other crops.

Grade change. Topographic alteration to the surface of the ground.

Grading. 1) Phase of construction, landscaping, or site development that provides a site with intended grades (contours, elevations, and slopes). 2) Act or process of applying quality determinations for nursery stock, timber, or other crops.

Green infrastructure. Living plants and natural materials within developed areas. Can be incorporated with gray infrastructure (utilities, paved surfaces, and buildings) to perform important ecological functions, such as stormwater management, erosion control, and temperature buffering.

Groundwater. Water naturally stored underground in aquifers or that flows through and saturates soil and rock, supplying springs and wells (contrast with surface water).

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Guying. Installation of a steel cable or synthetic-rope cabling system and an external anchor to provide supplemental support.

Habit. Characteristic form or manner of growth.

Habitat. Environment suitable for sustaining a population of a given organism.

Hanger. Broken or cut branch that is hanging in a tree.

Hardiness. Genetically determined ability of a plant to survive winter growing conditions; often referring specifically to low temperatures.

Hardscape. Constructed elements of a landscape, such as walls, pathways, and seats made of wood, stone, and/or other materials.

Hardwood. 1) Wood of an angiosperm tree, as distinguished from that of a conifer. 2) Referring to an angiosperm, or broadleaf, tree.

Hazard. 1) Situation or condition that is likely to lead to a loss, personal injury, property damage, or disruption of activities; a likely source of harm. 2) In trees, a tree or tree part identified as a likely source of harm. 3) In tree care or forestry operations, the presence of a condition or situation that may cause harm or injury to workers or others.

Hazard tree (hazardous tree). Tree identified as a likely source of harm.

Hazardous tree. See Hazard tree (hazardous tree).

Heading cut. Pruning cut that removes a branch or stem between nodes (leaving a stub), to a bud, or to a live branch that is less than one-third the diameter of the stem being removed.

Heat island. An urban area that is warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to urban activities and greater heat retention by urban structures and development.

Herbicide. A pesticide used to kill, slow, or suppress plant growth by interfering with botanical pathways.

Honeydew. Sugary substance excreted by certain insects, including aphids and some scales, when feeding on plants.

Host. Living organism from which a parasite obtains nutrition.

Impact. v. To strike a target or cause a disruption that affects activities.

Impervious. Surface that does not allow for infiltration and/or penetration of liquids.

Incident. Unplanned, undesirable event that could result in unintentional injuries or property damage.

Infectious. Capable of being spread from plants to result in infection of other plants or organisms.

Infestation. Presence of a pest population on a host plant or group of plants.

Infiltration. 1) Downward entry of water into the soil (contrast with percolation). 2) Entry of fine particles into drainage or aeration systems. 3) Downward entry of materials from one soil or fill layer to another.

Inflorescence. Cluster of flowers.

Inorganic. Compound or substance not containing carbon. Not containing organic material (contrast with organic).

Inspection. Organized and systematic examination.

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Insulated. Resistant to the flow of electricity for the voltage which it is rated.

Integrated pest management (IPM). Systematic method of managing pests that uses cultural, biological, physical, and chemical methods to manage pests to acceptable levels.

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). International Society of Arboriculture. In the source glossary the acronym appears in the list of acronyms and abbreviations.

Introduction. In Plant Health Care (PHC), the intentional release or planting of a non-native species within a landscape.

Invasive species. An alien species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

ISA Certified Arborist®. Arborist who has passed an independent exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture and who maintains the credential through continuing education.
i-Tree. Suite of software products and management tools that allows the user to inventory the urban forest and analyze its costs, benefits, and management needs.

Land-use history. Actions, events, or changes that have taken place on a site.

Lateral. Secondary or subordinate branch or root.

Leader. Primary terminal shoot or trunk of a tree. Large, usually upright stem. A stem that dominates a portion of the crown by suppressing lateral branches.

Leaf. Primary photosynthetic organ of a plant that is connected to a stem by a petiole.

Leafminer. Type of insect with a larval stage that feeds between leaf surfaces.

Liability. Something for which one is responsible. Legal responsibility.

LiDAR. Remote-sensing method that uses laser technology to measure tree size and location in relation to the target of concern, with results depicted in a computer image.

Likelihood. Chance of an event occurring. In the context of tree failures, the term may be used to specify 1) the chance of a tree failure occurring, 2) the chance of impacting a specified target, or 3) the combination of the likelihood of a tree failing and the likelihood of impacting a specified target.

Likelihood of failure. Chance of a tree or tree part failure occurring within the specified time frame.

Likelihood of failure and impact. Chance of a tree or tree part failure occurring and impacting a target within the specified time frame.

Limb. Large, primary branch of a tree.

Limited visual assessment (Level 1). Visual assessment from a specified perspective such as foot, vehicle, or aerial (airborne) patrol of an individual tree or a population of trees near specified targets to identify specified conditions or obvious defects of concern.

Line clearance. Pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, removing, treating, or clearing of trees or the cutting of brush (vegetation management) that is within the minimum approach distance of electric supply lines and equipment; work performed by qualified line-clearance arborists for the construction or maintenance of electric supply lines and/or the electric utility right-of-way corridor.

Lion tailing (lion's tailing). Poor pruning practice in which an excessive number of branches are removed from the inside and lower part of specific limbs or a tree crown, leaving mostly terminal

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214 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. foliage. Results in poor branch taper, poor wind load distribution, and a higher risk of branch failure.

Matrix. Tool for categorizing the combined likelihood of a tree or tree part failure impacting a target.

Mature height. Maximum height that a plant is likely to reach under favorable growing conditions.

Mealybug. Small, sap-sucking, scale-like insect coated with a white powdery wax.

Mechanical stress. Measure of the internal forces acting within a deformable body; force per unit area.

Mineral. Naturally occurring, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical composition and possesses characteristic physical properties. Certain minerals are considered essential elements for tree growth and development.

Mitigation. The act of making a condition or consequence less severe. In tree risk management, the process for reducing risk.

Monitoring. Keeping a close watch. Performing regular checks or inspections.

Monoculture. Cultivation or planting of a single species on agricultural land, in a forest setting, or within an urban landscape.

Mulch. Material that is spread on the soil surface to reduce weed growth, retain soil moisture, moderate temperature extremes, reduce compaction from pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and/or to improve aesthetic appearance of the landscape. Mulch can be composed of chipped, ground, or shredded organic material such as bark, wood, or recycled paper.

Mushroom. Fleshy, spore-bearing, often stemmed, fruiting body of fungi in the Basidiomycota subdivision.

Native species. Plants endemic (indigenous) to a region within the modern era. Naturally occurring and not introduced by humans (contrast with exotic species and introduced species).

Natural enemy. Predator, parasite, or pathogen that targets an organism.

Needle. Slender leaf of a conifer.

Negligence. Failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.

Node. Point on a stem from which leaves, branches, and aerial roots are attached (contrast with internode).

Nursery stock. Plant obtained from or grown in a nursery and intended to be planted out in the landscape.

Nursery stock, containerized. See Containerized.

Nutrient. Substance that provides nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of life; in plants, often used synonymously with essential element.

Nutrient deficiency. Condition in which the supply or availability of an essential element causes cessation of critical plant processes, resulting in visible, physical symptoms such as chlorotic leaves or necrotic margins, and which, if left untreated, will reduce tree health and may eventually lead to premature death.

Occupancy rate. Amount of time targets are within a target zone.

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Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). In the United States, the legislative act dealing with health and safety in the workplace.

Open-grown. Tree that has grown with exposure to wind and other elements from all directions.

Organic. 1) Containing carbon. 2) Of animal or vegetable origin, especially when referring to a fertilizer or pesticide (contrast with inorganic).

Organic matter. Material derived from the growth (and death) of living organisms. The organic components of soil (see compost and mulch).

Palm. Monocotyledonous plant, usually with an unbranched trunk; its leaves (fronds) are arranged around the terminal bud, and the vascular bundles are scattered.

Parasite. Organism living in or on another living organism (host) from which it derives nourishment to the detriment of the host (see parasitoid).

Parasitoid. Organism living in or on another living organism during its immature stage, killing, sterilizing, and/or consuming the host.

Parent branch. Larger branch or stem from which a smaller, lateral branch arises.

Pathogen. Causal agent of disease. Usually refers to microorganisms.

Permeable. Allowing liquids or gases to pass through, as with a membrane or material.

Permit. Written order granting permission to conduct a specified task or action.

Pervious. Penetrable, allowing passage through; often used to describe surfaces.

Pest. Organism (including, but not limited to, weeds, insects, bacteria, or fungi) that is damaging, noxious, or a nuisance.

Pesticide. Any chemical used to control or kill unwanted organisms such as weeds, insects, or fungi. pH. Unit of measure that describes the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. Negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration. Measured on a scale from 0 to 14. Greater than 7 is alkaline, less than 7 is acid, and 7 is neutral (pure water) (see acidity and alkalinity).

Phenology. Relationship between the climate and biological events, such as flowering or leafing out in plants.

Plant Health Care (PHC). Comprehensive program to manage the health, structure, and appearance of plants in the landscape.

Planting. Installing a plant in the landscape.

Planting site. Location chosen to plant a tree, including its surroundings.

Planting specifications. Detailed plans and statements of particular procedures, requirements, tools, materials, and standards for planting.

Pole. 1) In utility systems, vertical structures (often made of wood) used to support utility lines above the ground. 2) A long tool handle used to work at a distance.

Pollarding. Semiformal pruning system that maintains crown size by initial heading of branches on young trees or young portions of older trees, followed by removal of sprouts to their point of origin at appropriate intervals, without disturbing the resulting pollard heads.

Pore space. Air- or water-filled spaces between soil particles.

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Porous. Having spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass.

Powdery mildew. Disease caused by fungi of the order Erysiphales that produce mycelium and conidia on leaves to form a white, powdery or fuzzy-appearing coating on the leaf surfaces.

Precipitation. Any form of water that falls to the earth's surface such as rain, snow, or sleet.

Prevention. Proactive process intended to guard against an adverse impact by avoiding or reducing the risk of its occurrence.

Primary line. In an electric utility system, a high-voltage distribution electric supply line, usually 2,400 to 34,500 volts, that carries electricity from distribution substations to distribution transformers.

Probability. Measure of the chance of occurrence expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where 0 is impossibility and 1 is absolute certainty. Often expressed as a percentage (0 to 100%).

Protection zone. See Tree protection zone (TPZ).

Pruning. Removing branches (or occasionally roots) from a tree or other plant, using approved practices, to achieve a specified objective.

Pruning cycle. Time schedule for pruning events. In utility arboriculture, it is the time between prunings that is established to provide reasonable clearance between trees and conductors.

Qualification. Education or training program consisting of a learning event designed to train participants to achieve specified learning outcomes, including an assessment of achievement of those outcomes; assessment-based certificate program.

Qualified arborist. Individual who, by possession of a recognized degree, certification, or professional standing, or through related training and on-the-job experience, is familiar with the equipment and hazards involved in arboricultural operations and who has demonstrated ability in the performance of the special techniques involved.

Raising. Selective pruning of lower branches to provide vertical clearance (see crown raising).

Reaction wood. Wood formed in leaning or crooked stems or on lower or upper sides of branches as a means of counteracting the effects of gravity.

Recommendations. One or many alternatives that are promoted to achieve a desired outcome, based on professional judgment.

Reduction. Pruning to decrease height and/or spread of a branch or crown.

Resistance. 1) In plants, the tendency to withstand certain pests, disease, or fungal problems; pest resistance. 2) In insects, the ability to withstand certain insecticides. 3) In other pests, the ability to withstand certain pesticides.

Restoration. 1) Pruning to improve the structure, form, and appearance of trees that have been vandalized, damaged, or improperly trimmed. 2) Management and planting to restore altered or damaged ecosystems or landscapes. 3) Replacement or reproduction of damaged or destroyed plants.

Risk. The combination of the likelihood of an event and the severity of the potential consequences. In the context of trees, risk is the likelihood of a conflict or tree failure occurring and affecting a target, and the severity of the associated consequences.

Risk assessment. The process of risk identification, analysis, and evaluation.

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Risk management. Application of policies, procedures, and practices to identify, evaluate, mitigate, monitor, and communicate risk.

Risk rating. The level of risk combining the likelihood of a tree failing and impacting a specified target, and severity of the associated consequences.

Root. Plant organ, usually underground, that serves as anchorage and also absorbs and conducts water and minerals.

Root ball. Soil containing all or a portion of the roots that are moved with a plant when it is planted or transplanted.

Root barrier. Membranes or sheets installed vertically in the soil to limit or direct the growth of tree roots.

Root bound. Condition in which plant roots are overcrowded in a container or site and root growth is restricted.

Root collar. Flared area at the tree trunk base where the roots and trunk come together (see root crown and trunk flare).

Root crown. Area where the main roots join the plant stem, usually at or near ground level. Root collar.

Root flare. See Trunk flare.

Root initiation zone. Region at the base of a palm stem where lateral roots emerge.

Root plate. Combination of large structural and smaller roots and soil near the base of a tree's trunk, largely responsible for holding the tree erect.

Root pruning. Severing roots selectively. 1) In transplanting, the process of cutting roots to increase the density of root development within the root ball. 2) In tree conservation and preservation, the process of cutting roots to prevent tearing and splintering of remaining roots. 3) In tree disease management, severing tree roots to prevent disease transmission through root grafts.

Root rot. Decay located in the roots; root decay is usually developed from the bottom up, and crown symptoms may or may not be visible.

Root zone. 1) Horizon or layer within the soil profile where roots exist. 2) Volume of soil containing tree roots. 3) Horizontal spread of tree roots from the trunk. Typically the root zone of a tree extends well beyond the drip line.

Rust. Disease caused by fungi of the order Pucciniales and characterized by fruiting bodies that produce often bright yellow to orange or reddish-brown spores on foliage, stems, or fruits, and may induce formation of stem galls.

Safety. Process of preventing injury, damage, or loss.

Sanitation. Cultural practice of removing dead, infested, or diseased plant parts to reduce the spread of insects or disease.

Sapling. A young tree about 1 to 3 years old, typically larger than a seedling.

Scale. One of a group of insects that attach themselves to plant parts. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system.

Scorch. Browning and shriveling of foliage, especially at the leaf margin (contrast with sunscald).

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Secondary line. In an electric utility system, a lower-voltage (generally 110 to 750 volts) electric supply line that carries electricity from distribution transformers to service lines.

Senescence. Process of aging. Process preceding leaf drop in deciduous plants.

Shearing. Cutting leaves, shoots, and branches to a desired plane, shape, or form, using tools designed for that purpose, as with topiary (hedge).

Shoot. New stem or branch growth on a plant.

Shrub. Woody plant, generally smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.

Sign. Physical evidence of a causal agent (e.g., insect eggs, borer hole, frass, mycelium, fruiting body) (contrast with symptom).

SOD. Sudden oak death.

Soil. Layers of sand, clay, silt, and organic material on the surface of the earth that support plants.

Soil amendment. Material added to soil to improve its physical, chemical, and/or biological properties.

Soil compaction. Compression of the soil, often as a result of vehicle or heavy-equipment traffic, that breaks down soil aggregates and reduces soil volume and total pore space, especially macropore space.

Soil organic matter (SOM). Amount of organic material in soil, measured as a percentage by dry weight.

Soil particle. Smallest grains of soil categorized by size into clay, silt, or sand.

Soil probe. Any one of a number of instruments used to take soil cores or samples. Usually some variation of a metal tube with a sharpened or serrated point and a T-shaped handle.

Soil structure. Arrangement of soil particles into aggregates.

Sooty mold. Fungus that appears as a black coating on the surface of leaves, branches, fruits, and other surfaces resulting from deposits of sugary excrement from aphids and scale insects. sp.. Species (singular).

Species. Taxonomic group of organisms composed of individuals of the same genus that can reproduce among themselves and have similar offspring.

Species diversity. Measure of the number and variety of different species found in a given area.

Specifications. Detailed plans, requirements, and statements of particular procedures and/or standards used to define and guide work.

Spot. Discrete, localized, and usually small necrotic area of a leaf or needle, stem, flower, or fruit. spp.. Species (plural).

Sprout. See Shoot.

Stakeholder. 1) Person or group that has an interest in, or is affected by, an activity or decision. 2) Person that either creates policy, is affected by those policies, or perceives to be affected by those policies.

Staking. Supporting a tree with stakes and ties. Usually used in reference to newly planted trees.

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Stem. Woody structure bearing foliage and buds that gives rise to other stems (branches).

Stippling. Speckled or dotted areas in which chlorophyll is absent on foliage.

Stock. See Nursery stock.

Stormwater runoff. Water originating from precipitation (rain or melting snow and ice) that flows above ground rather than infiltrating into the soil. May occur if soils are frozen or saturated or if the rate at which precipitation falls is greater than the infiltration rate of a soil.

Stress. 1) In Plant Health Care, a factor that negatively affects the health of a plant; a factor that stimulates a response. 2) In mechanics, a force per unit area.

Structural defect. Feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates a weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.

Structural pruning. Pruning to influence the orientation, spacing, growth rate, strength of attachment, and ultimate size of branches and stems.

Structural soil. Pavement substrate that can be compacted to meet engineering specifications yet remain penetrable by tree roots in the urban environment.

Stub. Portion of a branch or stem remaining after a stub cut, branch breakage, or branch death.

Stump. Base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled.

Stump grinder. Specialized power equipment used to remove tree stumps by grinding away the solid wood. May be towed or self-propelled.

Sucker. Vigorous, upright epicormic shoot that arises from latent buds below soil level or the graft union (contrast with watersprout).

Sunburn. Injury to bark and cambium caused by a combination of radiant energy from light and insufficient soil moisture.

Sunscald. Injury to bark tissues on the trunk and branches caused by rapid changes in temperature, especially on warm days and cool nights in winter (contrast with scorch).

Susceptibility. Potential for infection and/or injury from exposure to a biotic or an abiotic factor.

Suspended pavement. Paving option that transfers the load to the subsoil rather than to the top of the soil surface.

Sustainability. Ability to maintain ecological, social, and economic benefits over time.

Symptom. Plant reaction to a disease or disorder (e.g., spot, wilt, dieback) (contrast with sign).

Taper. Change in diameter over the length of trunks, branches, and roots.

Target. 1) People, property, or activities that could be injured, damaged, or disrupted by a tree failure. 2) Intended application site or pest.

TCIA. Tree Care Industry Association.

Temperate. Region lying between the tropics and permafrost zones where temperature ranges and conditions permit plant growth.

Terminal bud. Bud at the tip of a twig or shoot. Apical bud (contrast with lateral bud).

Thinning. Selective removal of live branches to reduce density of branches and foliage.

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Tipping. Similar to topping except heading cuts are made through smaller (pencil-sized) branches in the outer periphery of the crown.

Tissue. Group of cells with similar structure that have a special function.

Topping. Reduction of tree size by cutting live branches and leaders to stubs, without regard to long- term tree health or structural integrity.

Topping cut. Hinge cut used when removing the top from a tree in the tree removal process.

Transmission lines. In an electric utility system, wires used to transmit electricity from generating stations to the distribution network or between distribution substations, often carrying in excess of 69,000 volts (contrast with distribution lines).

Transpiration. Water vapor loss, primarily through the stomata of leaves.

Transplant shock. Plant stress following transplant; characterized by reduced growth, wilting, dropping foliage, or death.

Transplanting. Process of moving a plant to a new location.

Tree. Woody perennial usually having one dominant trunk and a mature height greater than 16 ft (5 m).

Tree failure. Uprooting or mechanical breakage of a tree, its parts, and/or surrounding soil.

Tree inventory. Record of trees within a designated area that provides specified identification and condition information to be used for management decisions and actions.

Tree ordinance. Tree-specific law that defines a public agency's authority, describes required conditions or actions, establishes penalties for nonconformance, and identifies who is responsible for enforcement and oversight.

Tree population. A defined set, group, or collection of trees.

Tree preservation. Process of protecting trees from damage related to construction activity.

Tree protection zone (TPZ). Defined area within which certain activities are prohibited or restricted to prevent or minimize potential injury to designated trees, especially during construction or development.

Tree risk assessment. A systematic process to identify, analyze, and evaluate tree risk.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. In the source glossary the acronym appears in the list of acronyms and abbreviations.

Tree support system. Mechanical system used to limit movement or provide supplemental support to leaders, branches, or entire trees.

Tree well. Wall constructed around a tree to maintain the original grade between the trunk and the wall, with a raised grade beyond the wall. Used to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the root zone and to protect the trunk from burial.

Trenching. Linear or curvilinear open excavation, often used to install utilities or structural footings.

Can cause tree root damage.

Tropical. Relating to, situated in, or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator).

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Trunk. Main or central stem of a tree (see bole and stem).

Trunk flare. Transition zone from trunk to roots where the trunk expands into the buttress or structural roots. Root flare.

Twig. Small, woody branch, stem, or shoot.

Unacceptable risk. Degree of risk that exceeds the tolerance of the owner, manager, or controlling authority.

Undercut. Cut on the underside of a branch or stem being removed to prevent unwanted tearing as the part being removed falls.

Urban forest. The sum of all woody and associated vegetation in and around dense human settlements, from small communities to metropolitan regions, including street, residential, and park trees, greenbelt vegetation, trees on unused public and private land, trees in transportation and utility corridors, and forests on watershed lands.

Urban forest management plan. Document that describes how urban forestry goals are to be accomplished within a defined time frame; includes tasks, priorities, best management practices, standards, specifications, budgets, and staffing analyses.

Urban forester. Individual trained in or practicing urban forestry.

Urban forestry. Management of naturally occurring and planted trees and associated plants in the built environment.

USDA. United States Department of Agriculture.
var.. Variety.

Vigor. Capacity to grow and resist stress. Sometimes limited in reference to genetic capacity.

Virus. Ultramicroscopic, nonliving infectious agent (consisting of nucleic acid and protein) that can replicate only in living cells of other organisms. Numerous viruses cause diverse symptoms of different tree parts.

Vitality. Overall health. Ability of a plant to deal effectively with stress.

Voltage. Difference in electrical potential between any two conductors or between a conductor and ground.

Water sprout. See Watersprout.

Watersprout. Upright, epicormic shoot arising from the trunk or branches of a plant above the root graft or soil line. Incorrectly called a sucker (contrast with sucker).

Wildlife. Animals living in a natural, undomesticated state.

Wildlife habitat. An environment suitable for sustaining one or more species of animals.

Wilt. 1) n. Loss of turgor and subsequent drooping of leaves and young stems; a symptom. 2) n.

Infectious disease caused by a particular agent on a particular host or range of hosts. 3) v. To lose turgor.

Wind exposure. Exposure to the forces of wind.

Windshield assessment. See Limited visual assessment (Level 1).

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Wire basket. Type of metal basket used to support the root ball of a balled-and-burlapped tree or a tree dug with a tree spade.

Wood. Hard, fibrous inner part of tree trunks, branches, and stems. The secondary xylem of seed plants.

Wood decay. The process of wood degradation by microorganisms.

Woody plant. Plant whose stem (and branches) have a wood-like consistency (e.g., trees, shrubs, and vines as well as palms, bamboos, and other woody monocots).

Work order. Written document detailing the work to be completed and authorizing performance of contracted work.

Wound wood. See Woundwood.

Woundwood. Lignified, differentiated tissues produced on woody plants as a response to wounding (contrast with callus).

Written report. Document with text, images, and/or references, delivered in print or electronic form, to communicate assessment results or other information.

APPENDIX B – BEST MANAGEMENT

PRACTICES

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

224 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
This appendix lists the industry standards, best management practices, and professional manuals that guide the practices outlined in this Plan. Full references for these publications are provided in Appendix A.

ANSI A300 tree care standards: Consolidated standard. American National Standards Institute (2023)
https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4645/cid/117/
ANSI Z133-2026: Safety and health requirements for arboricultural operations. American National Standards Institute (2026)
https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/122/cid/117/
ANSI A300 Clause Map
Clause 1–4. Scope, purpose, application, and general information.

Clause 5. Pruning.

Clause 6. Soil management.

Clause 7. Supplemental support systems.

Clause 8. Lightning protection system.

Clause 9. Management during site development and construction.

Clause 10. Planting and transplanting.

Clause 11. Integrated vegetation management (IVM).

Clause 12. Root management.

Clause 13. Tree risk assessment.

Clause 14. Integrated pest management (IPM).

Clause 15. Industry definitions.
(ISA) Best Management Practices
Best management practices: Integrated pest management (2nd ed.). Wiseman & Raupp (2016) Applies to: Pest and disease management under the City IPM program. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/79/cid/117/
Best management practices: Integrated vegetation management (3rd ed.). Miller (2021) Applies to: Utility corridor and right-of-way vegetation. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/101/cid/117/
Best management practices: Managing trees during construction (3rd ed.). Matheny et al. (2023)
Applies to: Tree protection during development and construction. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/139/cid/117/
Best management practices: Pruning (3rd ed.). Lilly et al. (2019) Applies to: All routine and structural pruning; the grid pruning program.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

225 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/58/cid/117/
Best management practices: Root management (2nd ed.). Costello et al. (2023) Applies to: Root pruning, root barriers, and hardscape conflicts. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4291/cid/117/
Best management practices: Soil management for urban trees (2nd ed.). Scharenbroch & Smiley (2021)
Applies to: Soil testing, amendment, and mulching.
https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/863/cid/117/
Best management practices: Tree and shrub fertilization (4th ed.). Smiley et al. (2020) Applies to: Fertilization following confirmed nutrient deficiency. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/138/cid/117/
Best management practices: Tree injection (2nd ed.). Bernick & Smiley (2022) Applies to: Systemic treatment of pests and diseases.
https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4483/cid/117/
Best management practices: Tree inventories (3rd ed.). Wiseman et al. (2025) Applies to: Inventory design, data fields, and maintenance of the inventory. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/137/
Best management practices: Tree lightning protection systems (3rd ed.). Smiley et al. (2015) Applies to: Protection of specimen and heritage trees.
https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/136/cid/117/
Best management practices: Tree planting (2nd ed.). Watson (2014) Applies to: Nursery stock selection, installation, and establishment care. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/104/cid/117/
Best management practices: Tree risk assessment (3rd ed.). Smiley et al. (2025) Applies to: The TRAQ-based risk assessment program.
https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/324/cid/117/
Best management practices: Tree support systems—Cabling, bracing, guying, and propping (3rd ed.). Smiley & Lilly (2014)
Applies to: Supplemental support and staking of young trees. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/135/cid/117/
Best management practices: Utility tree risk assessment. Goodfellow (2020) Applies to: Coordination with Southern California Edison and utility providers. https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/4430/
Professional Manuals and Supporting Guidance
Tree care for wildlife best management practices. Bassett et al. (2022) Applies to: Wildlife protection categories applied during tree maintenance; the source of Table 4.8. https://treecareforbirds.com
Guide for plant appraisal (10th ed.). Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (n.d.) Applies to: Replacement value and the appraisal basis for ordinance penalties.

APPENDIX C – CITY PLANTING DETAILS

AND SPECIFICATIONS

CITY PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECS

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Container Root Ball Correction

CITY PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECS

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Container Root Ball Corrections

CITY PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECS

229 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Container Root Observations

CITY PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECS

230 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Crown Observations

CITY PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECS

231 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Tree Planting with Berm

CITY PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECS

232 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Tree Staking

APPENDIX D – COMMON PEST AND

DISEASE INFORMATION

COMMON PEST AND DISEASE INFO

234 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

More information on tree pests and diseases is available through the links below. This is not a comprehensive list; many other pests and diseases are not included.

Tree Pests
Adelgids
Aphids
Arizona Ash Tingid
Ash Borer
Ash Leaf Curl Aphid
Ash Moth
Ash Plant Bugs
Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing (HLB)
Disease
Banana Moth
Bark Beetles
Barnacle Scale
Black Scale
Black Vine Weevil
Boxelder Bug
Brown Soft Scale
Buffalo Treehopper
Calico Scale
California Pear Sawfly
California Red Scale
Carpenterworm
Citricola Scale
Citrus Thrips
Clearwing Moths
Coconut Mealybug
Cottony Cushion Scale
Cuban Laurel Thrips
Dictyospermum Scale
Elm Leaf Beetle
Eriophyid Mites
Erythrina Stem Borer
Eucalyptus Red Gum Psyllid
Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle
European Elm Bark Beetle
Ficus Gall Wasp
Frosted Scale
Fruittree Leafroller
Giant Palm Borer
Giant Whitefly
Gill’s Mealybug
Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB)
Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
Greedy Scale
Greenhouse Thrips
Green Shield Scale
Ground Mealybug
Hemispherical Scale
Invasive Shothole Borers (ISHB)
Ips Engraver Beetles
Lace Bugs
Leaf Miner
Longtailed Mealybug
Lygus Bugs

COMMON PEST AND DISEASE INFO

235 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Mealybugs
Obscure Mealybug
Oleander Scale
Omnivorous Leafroller
Omnivorous Looper
Oystershell Scale
Palm Leaf Skeletonizer
Pit-Making Pittosporum Scale
Privet Bud Mite
Privet Rust Mites
Psyllids
Redhaired Pine Bark Beetle
Redhumped Caterpillar

Red Turpentine Beetle
San Jose Scale
Scales
Silverleaf Whitefly
South American Palm Weevil
Spider Mites
Thrips
Tuliptree Scale
Tussock Moths
Vine Mealybug
Walnut Scale
Wax Scales
Whiteflies

COMMON PEST AND DISEASE INFO

236 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

Tree Diseases
Anthracnose
Armillaria Root Rot
Ash Dieback
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial Canker
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Bacterial Slime Flux
Botryosphaeria Canker
Botrytis Blight
Chinese Elm Anthracnose
Chinese Wax Scale
Crown Gall
Dematophora Root Rot
Diamond Scale
Dutch Elm Disease
Entomosporium Leaf Spot
Ficus Branch Canker
Fire Blight

Foamy Canker
Fusarium Wilt
Ghost Canker
Leaf Spot Diseases
Nectaria Canker
Oleander Leaf Scorch
Palm Diseases
Phyllosticta Leaf Spot
Phytophthora
Pink Rot
Pitch Canker
Powdery Mildew
Rusts
Sooty Mold
Sudden Crown Drop
Verticillium Wilt
Western Gall Rust
Wood Decay

APPENDIX E – TREE ORDINANCES

TREE ORDINANCES

238 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

CHAPTER 9. CITY TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
§ 3900. Purpose.

The purpose of this Chapter is to preserve and protect the parkway trees of this City that are of aesthetic importance and to provide for the replacement of trees in order to maintain the community's natural environment. Trees are an important natural resource, and it is essential to the public peace, health, and welfare that such trees be protected from random removal, trimming, or damage. (Ord. 07-1397 § 1; Ord. 12-1487 § 1)
§ 3901. Definitions.

For the purpose of this Chapter, certain terms and words are hereby defined as follows:
(a) "Manager"
means the Development Services General Manager of the Development Services Work Group overseeing the Public Works Division.
(b) "Parkway"
means either the area between the curb and sidewalk within a fully improved street right-of-way, or that area extending from the curb towards the nearest parallel easement line in an area with no sidewalk, or any area within a street right-of-way in which a parkway tree is located. (c) "City tree"
means a tree planted or caused to be planted by the City within the City right-of-way or City-owned or -maintained property.
(d) "Removal"
means the uprooting, cutting, or severing of the main trunk of the tree, or any act which causes the tree to die within six (6) months.
(e) "Shrub"
means woody vegetation of a woody plant having multiple stems and bearing foliage from the ground level up.
(f) "Tree"
means any woody plant, including a palm, which has the potential of attaining a minimum height of fifteen (15) feet and has its canopy of foliage borne normally on a single trunk. (g) "Tree well"
means a planting area found in an otherwise paved or concrete street right-of-way. (Ord. 07-1397 § 2; Ord. 12-1487 § 2)
§ 3902. Authority.

The Manager or his or her designee is responsible for inspection, maintenance, planting, pruning, trimming, removal, replacement and care of all parkway trees subject to the review and supervision of the City Manager. Subject to said review, the Manager shall have the power to designate the kind or variety of trees and plants to be planted within any parkway of the City. The owners of property fronting on any street, alley or public place may petition the Manager to provide that such trees or plants shall be of a certain kind or variety, but the petition shall be advisory to the action of the Manager.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 3; Ord. 12-1487 § 3)

TREE ORDINANCES

239 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. § 3903. Criteria for Allowed Trees.

Carson's tree population management plan shall be based primarily upon the City's adopted plan of parkway trees and Parkway Tree Master Plan. The Parkway Tree Master Plan will designate certain species of trees that may be planted within the City of Carson (Exhibit "A" at the end of this Chapter).

These particular types of trees are species that meet the following criteria:[1] (a) Species Hardiness. Based upon the tree's adaptability to the region in terms of its resistance to frost, freezing temperatures and heat.
(b) Drought Tolerance. Species with the ability to withstand long periods of drought are preferred. (c) Durability and Wind Resistance. Species that are not brittle in nature and will tolerate the winds. (d) Grow Space. The amount of parkway size available relative to the expected tree trunk circumference and root flare at maturity.
(e) Overhead Clearance. The potential for conflicts between the tree's canopy and overhead obstructions, such as utility lines, at the tree's mature height. (f) Pest and Disease Resistance. Species that are resistant to insect and disease infestation are preferred.
(g) Subsurface Growth Habits. Species that do not tend to surface root or have a high potential to damage infrastructure.
(h) Tolerance to a Variety of Irrigation Practices. Species that will tolerate long periods of drought or abundant moisture are preferred.
(i) Soil Qualities. Species that will tolerate the area's soil conditions are preferred. (j) Cleanliness. Species that do not have an overabundance of fruit or flower litter are preferred. (k) Species Selection. Species are chosen with regard to the appropriateness of their character. For example, a deciduous tree will be utilized in areas with very strong winter winds, providing a more stable specimen for severe conditions. Species that already exist in a particular area, have traditionally existed in that area, or are native to the region are preferred. (l) Aesthetics and Shading. Trees that are aesthetically pleasing with showy flowers or attractive fall color, or that provide a good amount of shade are preferred. (m) Availability. Trees that are readily available are preferred. (Ord. 07-1397 § 4; Ord. 12-1487 § 4)
[1]Editor's Note: Exhibit A, Parkway Tree Master Plan is included as an attachment to this title. § 3904. Maintenance.

The Public Works Division will develop and maintain a current inventory of all City-owned trees, including detailed site characteristics and work histories for each tree. Tree records shall be updated on a routine basis. The Public Works Division shall be responsible for overseeing the planting of all City trees. The following guidelines and procedures have been developed to promote the health and safety of City trees from the time they are planted through maturity. These guidelines and procedures shall be required for any City-maintained tree that is to be planted.

TREE ORDINANCES

240 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (Ord. 07-1397 § 5; Ord. 12-1487 § 5)
[1]Editor's Note: Exhibit F, Tree Maintenance Zones is included as an attachment to this title. § 3905. Planting.

The Public Works Division shall be responsible for administering planting of all trees in the public right-of-way. Businesses and residents are required to obtain a permit prior to planting of any trees within the City's right-of-way. Trees planted without permit may be removed by the City at the discretion of the Manager or his/her designee, without any consent from businesses or residents that have planted the said tree(s). It shall be the objective of the City to plant all viable vacant sites located in the City public right-of-way, to honor all resident requests for new street trees in City-owned locations, and to replace any City tree which has been removed with the provision that the remaining vacant site is viable for planting. Viable planting sites shall be based upon the following criteria:
(a) Spacing. There is adequate spacing present overhead, underground and radially to allow for the healthy, unimpeded growth of the tree to its mature size. Specific examples of spacing conditions may make a site unsuitable for planting, which include: inappropriate canopy room between existing trees; proximity of a planting site to existing utilities, creating potential conflicts and damage; or inadequate width of the location's parkway for accommodating the tree's girth. (b) Traffic Clearance. There is adequate line-of-sight visibility between normal vehicular or pedestrian traffic and necessary signage, street lights or views.
(c) Maintenance Resources. There is an adequate and consistent water source available. (d) Funding. Funding will be requested every fiscal year budget for tree planting based on the need. (Ord. 07-1397 § 6; Ord. 12-1487 § 6)
[1]Editor's Note: Exhibit D, Application for Permit to Plant Street Trees is included as an attachment to this title.
§ 3906. Nursery Stock.

The City shall make every effort to ensure that it plants only vigorous, healthy trees which can easily be trained into an attractive natural form, with strong roots and good crown development. The City shall reserve the right to refuse any nursery stock that does not meet these standards, and may require any person who has planted such substandard trees, on City property or within the City right- of-way, to have these trees removed and replaced at the person's own expense. The specifications for acceptable nursery stock shall be as follows:
(a) All trees shall be selected from the City's Master Tree List and be no less than a fifteen (15) gallon mature tree.
(b) All trees shall be true to type or botanical name as ordered or showing on planting plans. (c) All trees shall have a fairly straight trunk with a good taper and good branch distribution vertically, laterally and radially.
(d) All trees shall be healthy, have a form typical for the species or cultivar, be well rooted, and shall be properly trained.
(e) The root ball of all trees shall be moist throughout and the crown shall show no sign of moisture stress.

TREE ORDINANCES

241 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (f) All trees shall comply with Federal and State laws requiring inspection for plant diseases and pest infestations.
(g) No tree shall be accepted that has been severely topped, headed back, pollarded or lion-tailed. (h) No tree shall be accepted that has co-dominant stems or excessive weak branch attachments that cannot be trained out without jeopardizing the natural form of the species. (i) No tree shall be accepted that is root bound, shows evidence of girdling or kinking roots, or has "knees" (roots) protruding above the soil.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 7; Ord. 12-1487 § 7)
§ 3907. Planting and Staking.

Unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Division, all City trees shall be planted using materials that meet the following criteria:
(a) Tree Stakes. Tree stakes shall be two (2) sturdy eight (8) to ten (10) foot long lodge pole pine stakes. Stakes will be placed on the outer edge of the root ball on either side of the tree, perpendicular to prevailing winds. If larger trees are planted and require guying, International Society of Arboriculture standards shall be adhered to.
(b) Staking Ties. Staking ties shall be sixteen (16) inch to eighteen (18) inch rubber cinch ties to be fastened to each stake with galvanized roofing nails. Ties will be pulled around the tree's trunk in a manner which supports the top-heaviness of the canopy, but is loose enough to allow for free movement of the tree in the wind.
(c) Trunk Guards. An approved trunk guard shall be placed around the base of the trunk just above the soil grade. A trunk guard is to deter mechanical damage, as a result of wounds inflicted on a tree's trunk by such devices as weed whips and lawnmowers.
(d) Root Barrier. Root barrier shall be fabricated from a high-density and high-compact plastic such as polyvinyl chloride, ABS or polyethylene and have a minimum thickness of six one-hundredths (0.06) inch. The plastic shall have one-half (1/2) inch to three-fourths (3/4) inch high raised vertical ribs on the inner surface spaced not more than six (6) to eight (8) inches apart. (e) Wood Chip Mulch. A four (4) inch uniform layer of City-approved wood chip mulch shall be placed within the planting basin of the tree. A space of three (3) inches shall be left between the tree's stem and the mulch layer to allow airflow and to restrict moisture from remaining static around the base of the trunk.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 8; Ord. 12-1487 § 8)
§ 3908. Planting Specifications.

All trees must conform to the Authorized List of Carson Trees (Exhibit "A" at the end of this Chapter).

All trees shall be in a minimum fifteen (15) gallon size container and be standard (not multitrunk). All trees shall be symmetrical, typical for a variety and species, healthy, vigorous, and free from plant disease and insect pests and shall have a healthy and normal root system free from being root bound. All trees shall be subject to the inspection and approval of the General Manager or his/her designee. All trees shall be planted in accordance with these specifications. (Ord. 07-1397 § 9; Ord. 12-1487 § 9)

TREE ORDINANCES

242 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. § 3909. Guidelines for Containerized Stock.

Most nursery tree stock in California is sold in a containerized form. The following guidelines are specifics for containerized stock. If utilizing bare root or balled and burlapped trees, refer to the appropriate International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) guidelines for planting instructions. (a) All trees shall be planted immediately after the planting container has been removed. Containers shall not be cut or otherwise damaged prior to delivery of trees to the planting area. (b) The planting hole is one of the most important factors in establishing a healthy tree. Measure the width and depth of the root ball prior to digging. The diameter of the planting hole shall be dug at least two (2) times wider than that of the root ball. The depth of the planting hole shall be dug slightly shallower than the depth of the root ball to allow for the top one (1) inch of the root crown to remain above the finished grade.
(c) Before placing the tree into the planting hole, tamp down the base of the hole to allow the tree to stand straight and to avoid the potential of the tree settling below the finished grade. Scarify or scrape the sides of the planting hole to break down any glazing or compaction that may have occurred as a result of digging.
(d) Position the tree in the hole so that the tree stands upright and the top of the root crown is slightly exposed above the grade. Backfill the planting hole with clean, native soil no higher than halfway up the root ball. Slightly tamp the soil to remove air pockets, but be sure not to compact the soil too much. Complete the backfilling to the finished grade. Once again, tamp the soil slightly to remove air pockets.
(e) Form a watering basin out of backfill material, approximately six (6) inches high, around the drip line of the tree. Remove all nursery stakes, ties, and ribbons from the tree and install the planting and staking materials as specified. Give the tree an initial deep watering. Fill watering basin as many times as necessary to completely saturate root ball.
(f) Tree stakes and ties should be removed from the tree within two (2) years after planting, or when the circumference of the tree's trunk is equal to or exceeds the circumference of the stakes. (Ord. 07-1397 § 10; Ord. 12-1487 § 10)
§ 3910. Young Tree Maintenance Schedule.

All newly planted trees shall be placed on a schedule to receive young tree maintenance immediately after a completion of a planting program. See CMC § 3912. (Ord. 07-1397 § 11; Ord. 12-1487 § 11)
§ 3911. Pruning.

The Public Works Division shall be responsible for administering and scheduling pruning of all City trees, otherwise all other trimming is prohibited, unless a permit is obtained. All City trees shall be pruned on a regular basis using professionally accepted standards, as established by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practice and ANSI Pruning Standards, whichever is more protective of tree preservation. All City trees shall be pruned in a manner that will encourage good development while preserving their health, structure and natural appearance.

Shearing, topping, heading back, stubbing, lion tailing or pollarding of public trees is prohibited, except in accordance with ISA standards.

TREE ORDINANCES

243 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (a) "Thinning," sometimes called "drop-crotching" in mature trees, shall be the standard pruning technique for City trees. A thinning cut is the removal of a branch at its point of origin, or the shortening of a branch to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role. (b) When removing a live branch, pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch bark ridge and collar. This location of cut is in contrast to a "flush cut" which is made inside the branch bark ridge and collar. Flush cuts should be avoided because they result in a larger wound and expose trunk tissues to the possibility of decay. If no collar is visible, the angle of the cut should approximate the angle formed by the branch bark ridge and trunk.
(c) When removing a dead branch, the final cut should be made just outside the branch bark ridge and collar of live callus or wound wood tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the dead stub should be removed; the live collar should remain intact. (d) If it is necessary to reduce the length of a branch, the final cut should be made just beyond (without violating) the branch bark ridge of the branch being cut to. The remaining branch should be no less than one-third (1/3) the diameter of the branch being removed, and with enough foliage to assume the terminal role.
(e) Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth, leaving the bark at the edge of the cut firmly attached to the wood. A three (3) cut process, sometimes referred to as "jump-cutting," should be used to remove larger limbs in order to avoid stripping or tearing of the bark, and to minimize wounding. (Ord. 07-1397 § 12; Ord. 12-1487 § 12)
[1] Editor's Note: Exhibit C, Application for Permit to Prune Trees is included as an attachment to this title.
§ 3912. Training Young Trees.

Properly trained trees will develop into structurally strong trees well suited for their surrounding environment. These trees should require little corrective pruning as they mature. Young trees that reach a large mature size should have a sturdy, tapered trunk with well-spaced branches that are smaller in diameter than the trunk. Each City tree shall be scheduled for training at least once within the first three (3) years after being planted, as part of a Young Tree Maintenance Program. The Young Tree Maintenance Program shall entail evaluating the overall condition of the tree, cleaning out of any dead wood and pruning the tree in such a manner as to develop good structure, checking to ensure stakes and ties are providing adequate support for the tree, and examining the watering basin to verify that the tree is receiving adequate water.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 13; Ord. 12-1487 § 13)
§ 3913. Pruning Mature Trees.

As trees mature, their need for structural pruning should decrease. Pruning should then focus on maintaining tree structure, form, health and appearance. This shall be accomplished through one (1) of the three (3) methods described below:
(a) Crown cleaning, or cleaning out, is the removal of dead, dying, broken, diseased, crossing, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches from a tree's crown, as well as the elimination of water sprouts, sucker growth and foreign materials from the entire tree. (b) Crown restoration is intended to improve the structure and appearance of trees that have sprouted vigorously after being broken, topped or severely pruned using heading cuts. One (1) to three (3)

TREE ORDINANCES

244 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. sprouts, on main branch stubs, should be selected to form a natural-appearing crown. The more vigorous sprouts may need to be thinned or cut to a lateral to control length growth or ensure adequate attachment for the size of the sprout. Crown restoration may require several prunings over a number of years. Crown restoration shall be completed as is necessary, based upon the specific conditions and circumstances surrounding the tree.
(c) Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. Thinning opens the foliage of the tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, distributes ensuing invigoration throughout the tree and helps retain the tree's natural form. When thinning the crown of mature trees, no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the tree's live growth should be removed. In slower growing or particularly sensitive species (such as native oaks), no more than ten (10) percent of live growth should be removed. Trees shall always be thinned to their natural form, and should retain well-spaced inner lateral branches with foliage. Trees and branches so pruned will have mechanical stress more evenly distributed along the branch and throughout the tree. (Ord. 07-1397 § 14; Ord. 12-1487 § 14)
§ 3914. Pruning Cycles.

Frequency of pruning is also important to a tree's health. The City of Carson is divided into twenty- one (21) trimming zones, for purposes of scheduling tree trimming in the City's public right-of-way (Exhibit "F" at the end of this Chapter). The City's objective is to service seven (7) zones annually within a three (3) year trim cycle. Scheduling is at the discretion of the Public Works Division. Every tree in each zone shall be pruned when that particular zone is being serviced. If a resident requests tree pruning before or after their zone is serviced, it shall be at the discretion of the Public Works Division to schedule. Hazardous conditions shall be evaluated and attended to as soon as possible. (Ord. 07-1397 § 15; Ord. 12-1487 § 15)
§ 3915. Street and Sidewalk Clearance.

Street and sidewalk clearance standards shall be achieved through crown raising. Crown raising is the removal of lower branches in order to provide clearance for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Only those branches that must be removed to achieve the established height clearance standards shall be pruned. All such pruning cuts shall be thinned back to the nearest lateral found above the set minimum height standard. Where possible, young or developing trees should be maintained in such a manner that at least one-half (1/2) of the foliage should be on branches that originate in the lower two-thirds (2/3) of the tree. Similarly, branches should have even distribution of foliage along their lengths. This will ensure a well-formed, tapered structure and will uniformly distribute stress within the tree. All City trees shall be maintained to the height clearance specifications established below:
(a) Over sidewalks or park paths, limbs shall be raised to a minimum of seven (7) feet and a maximum of eight (8) feet from grade to first lateral branch. In locations where no sidewalks exist, limbs may be retained below this minimum elevation as long as they conform to the natural shape of the species. In locations where City street trees are set back from, or do not interfere with, sidewalk traffic, limbs may also be retained below this minimum height specification. (b) Over residential or collector streets, limbs shall be raised gradually from eight (8) feet at curb to thirteen (13) feet over traffic lanes from the grade to wood, giving the appearance of an arch rather than an angle.

TREE ORDINANCES

245 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (c) Over arterial streets, limbs shall be raised to fourteen (14) feet from grade to first lateral branch. A major arterial street may require a higher maximum over central traffic lanes for existing mature canopy-forming limbs.
(d) Visibility clearance for streetlights or signage shall be achieved through "windowing" through the foliage of a tree, rather than severely raising or reducing its crown. Only those branches that need to be removed to attain the visibility clearance desired shall be pruned. All such pruning cuts shall be thinned back to the nearest lateral found away from the structure that is to be cleared. (Ord. 07-1397 § 16; Ord. 12-1487 § 16)
§ 3916. Utility Clearance.

Line-clearance tree workers must be trained safely around high-voltage conductors. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have established minimum distances to be maintained by tree workers from electrical conductors. All line-clearance work involving City trees shall adhere to these standards, as well as the utility pruning standards established by the ISA and the Utility Arborists Association (UAA). (Ord. 07-1397 § 17; Ord. 12-1487 § 17)
§ 3917. Clearance Guidelines.

The following guidelines are designed to maintain the required clearance of City trees from high- voltage power lines with a minimum of resprouting and fewer pruning cycles and the cost of the maintenance:
(a) A tree's growth under utility lines is most economically managed by lateral or directional pruning (thinning cuts). Directional pruning is the removal of a branch to the trunk or a significant lateral branch growing away from the conductor. Heading cuts (topping), on the other hand, encourage vigorous sprouting and increase the frequency of pruning cycles and the cost of maintenance. (b) All trees in the public right-of-way should be examined for hazards before commencing with line- clearance work. Hangers and dead wood should be removed. Where possible, the tree should be allowed to attain normal height, with crown development maturing away from high-voltage conductors. To achieve clearance, pruning should be restricted to removal of branches at crotches within the tree's crown.
(c) As few pruning cuts as are reasonable should be used to achieve the required clearance. (d) When the pruning of a branch will result in the loss of more than one-half (1/2) of the foliage on the branch, it should be removed to the parent stem.
(e) Precautions shall be taken to pre-cut large limbs to avoid stripping or tearing the bark, and minimize unnecessary wounding. Heavy limbs should be lowered on ropes to avoid damaging bark on limbs and trunks below.
(f) The placement of pruning cuts shall be determined by anatomy, structure and branching habit.

Limbs should not be arbitrarily cut off based on a pre-established clearing limit. (g) Final drop-crotch cuts should be made outside the branch bark ridge on the main stem or lateral branch. The remaining branch shall be no smaller than one-third (1/3) the diameter of the portion being removed. The removed portion should be pruned out to direct the remaining growth away from conductors.

TREE ORDINANCES

246 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (Ord. 07-1397 § 18; Ord. 12-1487 § 18)
§ 3918. Exceptions to Proper Pruning Techniques.

The Edison Co. is currently administering line clearance in the City of Carson. Every effort has been made to work in cooperation with the Edison Co. The City has shown concern and requested that proper pruning techniques are adhered to by the Edison Co. whenever possible. An example of a situation where proper pruning techniques would not be followed would be with a tree that has grown above the utility lines and must be topped to achieve clearance. With a situation such as this every effort must first be made to drop-crotch or directionally prune the tree. As few branches as possible will be topped. When this situation occurs, removal and replacement of the tree is at the discretion of the Public Works Division. Palm trees in particular shall be evaluated on an individual basis. Because palms are killed when topped, every effort shall be made to remove and replace the tree and when possible obtain compensation for sale of the tree.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 19; Ord. 12-1487 § 19)
§ 3919. Root Pruning.

The root system of a tree is one of its most important physiological components. Roots are the main source of water and mineral absorption for the tree, they provide a foundation and stability, and they act as one of the principal storage areas for food. The proper pruning of a tree's roots when necessary is as important as the proper pruning of a tree's crown. (Ord. 07-1397 § 20; Ord. 12-1487 § 20)
§ 3920. Root Removal – Avoidance.

Whenever possible, the City, utility companies or contractors shall avoid removing any of a tree's root system. In instances where there exists a need to install subsurface structures or utilities, such as irrigation lines or block wall footings, every effort shall be made to avoid encroachment within the drip line of a tree. If it becomes necessary to excavate within a tree's drip line, every effort, if cost-efficient, shall be made to tunnel under or throughout the tree's root system with a minimal amount of pruning, rather than to trench across the tree's roots.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 21; Ord. 12-1487 § 21)
§ 3921. Root Removal – Methods.

When root removal becomes necessary for the installation and/or repair of hardscape, such as sidewalks, driveway approaches or curb and gutters, and other utilities, two (2) methods shall be employed by the City to eradicate invasive or encroaching roots. These two (2) methods are specified below:
(a) Selective root pruning is the removal of specific offending roots which are directly interfering with a work area. When pruning out selective roots, great care shall be given to retain as much root surface as possible, including sufficient buttress root dispersal around the radius of the tree. Roots shall be cut back at least four (4) inches away from new hardscape to the nearest node. Pruning cuts shall be made clean and smooth with minimal crushing or tearing of the remaining root. (b) Root shaving is the removal of a small portion of a nonessential buttress root or general root with a diameter of four (4) inches or greater. Roots will be shaved to allow for at least two (2) inches of clearance between the root and the new hardscape. Shaving cuts shall be made clean and smooth with no crushing or tearing of the remaining root; root shaving shall be undertaken at the discretion of the Public Works Division.

TREE ORDINANCES

247 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (c) Where root pruning is needed within eight (8) feet of the trunk of the tree, removal of the tree shall be considered as an option if structural integrity of the tree will be compromised. (Ord. 07-1397 § 22; Ord. 12-1487 § 22)
§ 3922. Certified Arborist.

Any City-contracted tree company shall be required to have in their employment a full-time, permanent certified arborist, as accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This person shall be responsible for ensuring that the contractor's crews are performing work according to the City specifications.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 23; Ord. 12-1487 § 23)
§ 3923. Contractor Qualifications.

Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of trimming or removing any parkway tree shall carry commercial general liability and property damage, auto and workers' compensation insurance at a minimum limit of $1,000,000 each. The insurance certificates must be on file with the Risk Management Department and the City Clerk.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 24; Ord. 12-1487 § 24)
§ 3924. Removal.

The Public Works Division will trim or remove any publicly owned tree or plant, including any part thereof, regardless of the location, if it is determined by the Manager or his/her designee that removal or trimming is necessary to eliminate any hazard or risk to public safety or property. The following are conditions permitting removal:
(a) Where the tree, foliage or any limb, or the shrub or plant, is interfering with a primary structure, and there is no feasible alternative to mitigate the interference; (b) Where a written determination has been made, after a visual inspection and evaluation, that the tree is so diseased or damaged that it is no longer viable or it is a threat to property or to other trees; (c) Where the tree is so poorly formed due to stunted growth that its preservation would not result in any substantial benefit to the community;
(d) Where the tree interferes with utility services, or any street or highway, and no reasonable alternative exists other than removal or trimming of the tree; (e) Where the tree is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of it falling and its structural instability cannot be remedied; or where any other risk to persons or property is presented; (f) Where the tree is causing damage to improvements including, but not limited to, any building foundation, retaining wall, roadway/driveway, sidewalk/curb, patio, and/or deck, or is interfering with the use and enjoyment of property;
(g) Where the tree is host to an organism which is parasitic to another species of tree thereby endangered by the parasite; or
(h) Where the tree belongs to a species which is known to be pyrophytic or highly flammable and/or has been identified as a public safety hazard.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 25; Ord. 12-1487 § 25)

TREE ORDINANCES

248 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. [1] Editor's Note: Exhibit B, Application for Permit to Remove Street Trees is included as an attachment to this title.
§ 3925. Removal When – Appeal.

A City tree shall be removed only if it meets one (1) of the above-stated conditions. If a resident does not agree with staff's decision on a removal request, they may appeal to the Manager. The Public Works Division will provide interested residents with information on the City appeal process. The City Manager and City Council will serve as the appeal body for the Development Services General Manager's decisions.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 26; Ord. 12-1487 § 26)
§ 3926. Inspection.

The Manager or his or her designee may inspect any parkway tree or plant or any tree or plant standing on any private property which overhangs or projects over or into any street, park, alley or public place of the City, to determine whether it or any part of it is in such condition as to constitute a safety hazard or impediment to the progress or vision of anyone traveling in the street, park, alley or public place. However, nothing herein shall authorize the Manager to enter private property without the consent of the owner or lawful possessor of the property, unless otherwise permitted by law. (Ord. 07-1397 § 27; Ord. 12-1487 § 27)
§ 3927. Development/Construction.

All parkway trees planted in a new subdivision shall be in accordance with the Parkway Tree Guidelines and shall be paid for by the subdivider, unless otherwise provided by the City Council. The City Council may require any subdivider to pay all costs of proper parkway tree planting along the streets of any new subdivision before approving any subdivision map. (Ord. 07-1397 § 28; Ord. 12-1487 § 28)
§ 3928. Protective Measures for Trees During Construction.

The Manager or his/her designee shall determine during the project review process whether and to what extent conditions or measures will be required to protect parkway trees during construction. This decision shall be based upon the proximity of the construction activity to parkway trees. The conditions and protective measures include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) The parkway trees shall be enclosed by chain link fencing with a minimum height of five (5) feet or by another protective barrier approved by the Manager prior to the issuance of grading or building permit and prior to commencement of work.
(b) Barriers shall be placed at least five (5) feet outside the drip line of parkway trees. The Manager, if appropriate to the species and the adjacent construction activity, may approve a lesser distance. (c) There shall be no grade changes within the protective barriers without prior approval. Any roots greater than two (2) inches in diameter, which are damaged or exposed, shall be cleanly saw cut and covered with soil in conformance with ISA standards.
(d) Excavation or landscape preparation within the protective barriers shall be limited to the use of hand tools and small hand-held power tools and shall not be used at a depth that could cause root damage to the parkway tree.
(e) No attachments or wires other than those of a protective or nondamaging nature shall be attached to a parkway tree.

TREE ORDINANCES

249 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (f) No equipment or debris of any kind shall be placed within the protective barriers. No fuel, paint, solvent, oil, thinner, asphalt, cement, grout or any other construction chemical shall be stored or allowed in any manner to enter within the protective barrier. (g) If access within the protective barrier around a parkway tree is required during the construction process, the route shall be covered with a six (6) inch mulch bed in the drip line area, and the area shall be aerated and fertilized at the conclusion of the construction. (h) When the existing grade around a parkway tree is to be raised, drain tiles shall be laid over the soil to drain liquids away from the trunk, as determined by the Manager or his or her designee. The number of drains shall depend upon the soil material. Lighter sandy soil and porous gravelly material require fewer drains than heavy nonporous soils like clay. Dry wells shall be large enough to allow for maximum growth of the tree trunk. Dry well walls shall be constructed of materials that permit passage of air and water.
(i) When the existing grade around a parkway tree is to be lowered, either by terracing or by a retaining wall, a combination may be used to lower grades, as determined by the Manager or his or her designee. With either method, the area within the drip line shall be left at the original grade. The retaining wall shall be porous to allow for aeration.
(j) Parkway trees that have been destroyed or have received major damage during construction shall be replaced prior to final inspection and subject to the Manager's direction and approval as to size, variety and species.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 29; Ord. 12-1487 § 29)
§ 3929. Hardscape.

In keeping with the City's policies for protecting and preserving the health and well-being of our urban forest while providing for the safety of our citizens, the following guidelines have been established for correcting potentially hazardous situations that result from tree roots disturbing nearby hardscape. (Ord. 07-1397 § 30; Ord. 12-1487 § 30)
§ 3930. Hardscape Damage.

There are several factors that must be considered in determining the course of action necessary for addressing hardscape damage concerns that involve City trees. These actions are driven by the extent of the damages, and whether the damages are located on private property. The Public Works Division shall inspect all hardscape damage. If the hardscape concerns include potential damage to private property, the matter shall be referred to the Manager for evaluation. Upon initial inspection of the area, staff must determine what course of action is necessary to respond to the problem. The following are the most commonly occurring hardscape problems, and the courses of action that shall be employed to rectify them:
(a) Hardscape damage is within the public right-of-way and will require a temporary asphalt ramp, followed by permanent repair of the area at a later date. Generally, an asphalt ramp should be installed if there exists a deviation in the concrete that is greater than three-fourths (3/4) of an inch. (b) Hardscape damage is within the public right-of-way but is of such a minor nature that the damaged area can be "ground down" by a concrete grinding machine. Any deviation in the concrete of less than one-half (1/2) of an inch should be able to be rectified by grinding the raised lip down to grade. If necessary, permanent repair of the area should be scheduled for a later date.

TREE ORDINANCES

250 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (c) Hardscape damage is within the public right-of-way, but the nature of the damages cannot be rectified by temporary measures. Thus, permanent repair of the area will need to be scheduled based upon the potential damages for creating a public safety hazard. (d) Hardscape damages are on private property and thereby cannot be addressed by the City.

However, there are clear-cut indications that at least some of the damages that have occurred are a direct result of a tree in the public right-of-way. Thus, the resident may have reason to file a claim for damages with the City. If the resident does elect to file a claim, the Manager or his or her designee shall be responsible for evaluating the damaged area and submitting a tree assessment report to the City Clerk for inclusion with the claim file.
(e) Hardscape damages are on private property and thereby cannot be addressed by the City, and there exists no clear-cut indication that a City tree is the source of damages. Thus, the resident will be responsible for excavation of the damaged area, for the purpose of exposing any invasive roots, should they wish to file a claim for damages with the City. (f) Hardscape damage is on private property, and is clearly caused by a City-owned street tree in the public right-of-way.
(g) Upon excavation of the area, it is the resident's responsibility to contact the Public Works Division and schedule an evaluation and assessment of the damage. The Manager's designee shall be responsible for submitting this assessment report to the City Clerk for inclusion with the resident's claim.
(h) Once a course of action has been determined, staff shall be responsible for providing written notification to the involved parties informing them of staff's findings and of what measures they or the City will need to take to rectify the problem.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 31; Ord. 12-1487 § 31)
§ 3931. Repairing or Replacing Hardscape.

The general policy that shall be observed when repairing or replacing hardscape adjacent to a public right-of-way tree is that the health and integrity of the tree shall be taken into consideration before work commences. Every effort shall be made to protect the tree from root or trunk damage. (Ord. 07-1397 § 32; Ord. 12-1487 § 32)
§ 3932. New Hardscape Installation.

Several alternatives are available for accommodating the installation of new hardscape without severely infringing upon a tree's root system. The Public Works Division shall first evaluate any hardscape installation that may involve the removal of an extensive portion of a tree's root system. If it is determined by the Public Works Division that the removal of the offending roots might jeopardize public safety or the health or integrity of the tree, then one (1) of the following alternatives should be considered:
(a) Offset. An offset is the tapering or reduction of a sidewalk's size down to a width no less than forty- eight (48) inches.
(b) Ramping. A sidewalk may be constructed to ramp over offending roots, as long as the slope of the grade does not exceed one (1) foot of elevation change within a span of twelve (12) linear feet.

TREE ORDINANCES

251 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (c) Reconfiguration. Sidewalks do not need to be constructed in a straight line. If the public easement can accommodate it, a sidewalk may be reconfigured to curve around a tree in a suitable manner. (d) Removal. If no other hardscape installation alternative is feasible, a tree may be removed, as long as it complies with the tree removal criteria established in this Chapter. (Ord. 07-1397 § 33; Ord. 12-1487 § 33)
§ 3933. Interference with Work.

No person shall interfere, or cause any person to interfere, with the Manager or persons acting under his or her authority while engaged in planting, mulching, pruning, spraying, treating, trimming or removing any parkway tree, shrub or plant or in the removal of any stone, cement or other substance or plant material from or adjacent to the trunk of any parkway tree. No person shall injure or destroy any parkway tree by any means, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Constructing concrete, asphalt, brick or gravel sidewalk, raised planter or otherwise filling up the ground area around any tree so as to substantially shut off air, light, or water from its roots, or detrimentally restrict root growth;
(b) Piling building equipment, materials or any other substance around any tree so as to cause injury; (c) Pouring, spraying or depositing any deleterious substance around any tree or on the surrounding ground, lawn or sidewalk;
(d) Posting of any sign, poster, notice or other object on any tree, tree stake or guard; (e) Causing any wire charged with electricity to come in contact with any tree; or (f) Causing any fire or burning near or around any tree. (Ord. 07-1397 § 34; Ord. 12-1487 § 34)
§ 3934. Penalties.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership or corporation to violate any provision of or to fail to comply with any of the requirements of this Chapter. Any person, firm, partnership or corporation violating any provision of this Chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of $1,000 or the diminishment of the tree's value as set forth in the current edition of the Guide Per Plant Appraisal (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraiser, 10th Edition), whichever is greater, by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or both. Each and every person, firm, partnership, or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or any portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm, partnership or corporation, and shall be subject to penalties and imprisonment provided in this Section.
(a) In the event more than one (1) tree subject to the provisions of this Chapter is located adjacent to a parcel of property, each tree that is removed or trimmed shall be considered a separate violation. (b) Removal or trimming of any parkway tree or plant is a misdemeanor and shall require replacement within sixty (60) days of notice by the City. Such replacement shall be in accordance with the parkway tree guidelines.

TREE ORDINANCES

252 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc. (c) Violation of this Chapter during construction activity may result in an immediate stop work order issued by the City.
(Ord. 07-1397 § 35; Ord. 12-1487 § 35)
§ 3935. Violation – Nuisance – Abatement.

The violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter shall constitute a nuisance and may be abated by the City through a civil process by means of a restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or in any other manner provided for by law for the abatement of nuisances. (Ord. 07-1397 § 36; Ord. 12-1487 § 36)

TREE ORDINANCES

253 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

TREE ORDINANCES

254 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

TREE ORDINANCES

255 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

TREE ORDINANCES

256 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

TREE ORDINANCES

257 Urban Forest Management Plan, Prepared by WCA, Inc.

APPENDIX F – i-TREE ECO™ REPORTS

APPENDIX G – RESOURCES FOR

HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESSES

CITY OF CARSON 701 East Carson Street
Report to Honorable Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY 32. To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Nathan Freeman, Director of Community and Economic Development CD Real Property Services Subject: PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE 2025–2026 CONSOLIDATED ANNUALPERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCKGRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM I. SUMMARY
Each year, the City submits an Annual Action Plan (AAP) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) identifying how the City intends to use its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Following the close of each program year, the City is required to report to HUD on its accomplishments and progress toward the goals identified in the AAP through a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

The draft CAPER for Program Year 2025–2026 is presented to the City Council for review and consideration following the required public review and comment period. Upon City Council approval and consideration of any public comments received, staff will submit the final CAPER to HUD.

II. RECOMMENDATION
TAKE the following actions:

1. OPEN the Public Hearing, TAKE public testimony, and CLOSE the Public Hearing; and,

2. APPROVE the final version of the CAPER and DIRECT staff to submit the CAPER to HUD by the required deadline of September 28, 2026; and,

3. Receive and file this report.

III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.

IV. BACKGROUND
The City of Carson annually receives CDBG funds under the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, as an entitlement jurisdiction. CDBG funds may be used for a variety of eligible projects and programs that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

HUD regulations under Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 91 and 570, require entitlement jurisdictions to conduct public hearings regarding their CDBG program activities. One public hearing is required prior to submission of the AAP, and a second is required prior to submission of the CAPER.

The CAPER reports on the City’s progress toward the goals established in the 2025–2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the Program Year 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan, which covered July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

The report includes information on CDBG expenditures, households and individuals assisted, actions taken to affirmatively further fair housing, and the status of grant-funded projects addressing local housing and community development needs. The CAPER must be submitted to HUD within 90 days following the close of the program year, making the submission deadline September 28, 2026.

On August 28, 2026, the City issued a public notice announcing the availability of the draft CAPER for public review and inviting written comments through September 15, 2026. The notice and draft CAPER were posted on the City’s website, and the notice was published in the Daily Breeze.

During Program Year 2025–2026, the City completed rehabilitation work on 22 homes through the Neighborhood Pride Program, exceeding its annual goal. Fair Housing services were provided to 68 households, representing 110 individuals, and 1,545 individuals received Youth and Health public services. The City exceeded its goals in all three funded priority areas. No CDBG-CV funds were disbursed during the program year.

V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact. This report summarizes activities funded with previously appropriated CDBG funds for Program Year 2025–2026, which corresponds with Fiscal Year 2025–2026.

VI. EXHIBITS

1. City of Carson 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), Draft for Public Review
Attachments
2025-2026_CAPER_DRAFT_8.25.2026 - Council.pdf
City of Carson
2025–2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Program Year: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes
Progress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan. 91.520(a) This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) outlines progress made by the City of Carson in carrying out its priorities identified in the 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan (incorporated into the AP sections of the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan). The City received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and deployed these to support affordable housing rehabilitation, fair housing services, and public service delivery.

Unlike the 2024–2025 program year, the City did not administer any CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funded activities during 2025–2026; all activity was funded through the standard CDBG entitlement grant.

Key outcomes reflect continued investment in housing rehabilitation through the Neighborhood Pride Program (NPP), fair housing services through the Housing Rights Center, and public services through the Boys & Girls Club of Carson and Venice Family Clinic. The City completed 22 housing rehabilitation activities (21 single-unit residential rehabilitations and 1 lead-based paint hazard abatement) during the program year — exceeding the NPP's original one-year target of 20 households, but below the revised target of 45 households approved via a September 2025 Substantial Amendment (see CR-45 for detail).

Comparison of the proposed versus actual outcomes for each outcome measure submitted with the consolidated plan and explain, if applicable, why progress was not made toward meeting goals and objectives.

91.520(g)
Categories, priority levels, funding sources and amounts, outcomes/objectives, goal outcome indicators, units of measure, targets, actual outcomes/outputs, and percentage completed for each of the grantee's program year goals.

Goal Category Source/Amount Indicator Unit of
Measure
Expected –
PY
Actual –
PY
Percent
Complete
Expand
Affordable
Housing
Options
Affordable
Housing
CDBG:
$460,219
Homeowner
Housing
Rehabilitated
Household
Housing
Unit
45 22 49%
Deliver
Community
Services
Non-Housing
Community
Development
CDBG: $60,000 Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit
Persons
Assisted
1,300
persons
(300 Youth
Services +
1,000
Health
Services)
1,545
persons
(265 Youth
Services +
1,280
Health
Services)

118%
Provide Fair
Housing
Services
Fair Housing CDBG: $34,977 Public service
activities for
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit
Households
Assisted
75 persons

110 persons 146%
Table 1 - Accomplishments – Program Year & Strategic Plan to Date Assess how the jurisdiction's use of funds, particularly CDBG, addresses the priorities and specific objectives identified in the plan, giving special attention to the highest priority activities identified.

During the 2025–2026 program year, the City of Carson deployed its CDBG entitlement funds to address the priorities identified in its 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan (AP sections of the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan), consistent with the goals of the City's Five-Year Consolidated Plan.

Focus on Housing Preservation
The City continued the Neighborhood Pride Program (NPP), investing CDBG funds to assist lower -income homeowners of single-family homes and mobile homes with rehabilitation. The City completed 22 single-unit residential rehabilitations (Matrix Code 14A) and 1 lead-based paint hazard abatement (Matrix Code 14I) during the program year — 22 units total. This represents 49% of the 45-household target set by the September 2025 Substantial Amendment, which significantly expanded NPP funding partway through the program year using prior - year carryover (see CR-45).

Public Services for Vulnerable Populations
The City funded youth development programming through the Boys & Girls Club of Carson ( 265 persons served) and free community health services through Venice Family Clinic (1,280 persons served), for a combined 1,545 persons — well above the goal outcome indicator of 1,300 persons.

Fair Housing Services
The City continued its contract with the Housing Rights Center for fair housing education, outreach, counseling, and complaint investigation services. IDIS recorded 110 persons served (and 68 households in the race/ethnicity beneficiary tables), exceeding the AAP's 45-household target.

Financial Summary and Impact
Based on IDIS PR-26 and PR-23 reports:
● The City's PY2025-2026 CDBG entitlement grant totaled $693,996.00. ● Total CDBG expenditures for the program year were $763,611.02, drawing on prior -year carryover in addition to the current entitlement, resulting in an unexpended balance of ($69,615.02) at year end. ● 100% of expenditures subject to the low/mod benefit calculation benefited low - and moderate-income persons or households (Line 22, PR26).
● Public Service expenditures ($94,977.00) represented 13.69% of the amount subject to the Public Service cap — within the 15% statutory limit.
● Planning and Administration expenditures ($71,522.38) represented 10.31% of the amount subject to the PA cap — within the 20% statutory limit.
● No CDBG-CV funds were disbursed during PY2025-2026.

CR-10 - Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted Describe the families assisted (including the racial and ethnic status of families assisted). 91.520(a) Non-Housing (Public Service) Beneficiaries by Race, Persons Served:

CDBG (Persons)
White 365
Black or African American 226
Asian 167
American Indian/Alaskan Native 5
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 500
American Indian/Alaskan Native & White 209
CDBG (Persons)
Asian & White 7
Other multi-racial 1,626
Total 3,105
Table 2a – Non-Housing beneficiaries by race (persons), PR23 Program Year 2025 Of the 3,105 non-housing persons served, 444 identified as Hispanic (all within the Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander category per PR23).

Housing (Rehabilitation) Beneficiaries by Race, Households Served:

CDBG (Households)
White 10
Black or African American 25
Asian 1
American Indian/Alaskan Native & White 8
Other multi-racial 24
Total 68
Table 2b – Housing beneficiaries by race (households), PR23 Program Year 2025 Of the 68 housing households, 5 identified as Hispanic (1 American Indian/Alaskan Native & White; 4 Other multi - racial).

Narrative
During the 2025–2026 program year, the City of Carson delivered CDBG-funded programs to a broad and diverse cross-section of residents. CDBG-funded services — housing rehabilitation, public services, and fair housing education — were deployed citywide, with intentional outreach to historically underserved populations.

Programs such as the Neighborhood Pride Rehabilitation Program, Youth Services (Boys & Girls Club of Carson), and Health Services (Venice Family Clinic) were particularly effective in reaching low - to moderate-income households across a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, most notably households identifying as Other multi- racial, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, White, and Black/African American.

To ensure equitable distribution of services, the City continued to work with culturally competent service providers and maintained a bilingual outreach infrastructure. This commitment is reflected in the diversity of program beneficiaries.

CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a)
Identify the resources made available
Source of Funds Source Resources Made Available Amount Expended During Program Year
CDBG public - federal $693,996.00 $763,611.02
Table 3 - Resources Made Available
Narrative
During Program Year (PY) 2025–2026, the City of Carson invested its HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources in high-priority programs aligned with the City's 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan goals: housing rehabilitation, fair housing services, and public services. Unlike the prior program year, no CDBG-CV funds were available or expended in PY2025-2026.

The City continued to draw against prior-year carryover funds committed to multi-year Neighborhood Pride Program rehabilitation projects to ensure continuity of the program and completion of previously initiated units.

Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments Target Area Planned Percentage of
Allocation
Actual Percentage of
Allocation
Narrative Description
CITY WIDE 100 100 All funded activities were
implemented citywide, serving
eligible residents regardless of
neighborhood.

Table 4 – Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments Program Highlights
● Neighborhood Pride Program completed rehabilitation for 28 units (27 single -unit residential rehabilitations plus 1 lead-based paint hazard abatement), exceeding its annual target of 20 units. ● Fair Housing Services (Housing Rights Center) reached 412 persons / 68 households through outreach, education, complaint investigation, and direct support. ● Youth Services (Boys & Girls Club of Carson) reached 726 persons through after -school development and educational support programming.
● Health Services (Venice Family Clinic) reached 1,967 persons through free community health clinic services.

Leveraging
Explain how federal funds leveraged additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements were satisfied, as well as how any publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that were used to address the needs identified in the plan.

Although CDBG does not require a formal matching component, the City enhanced the effectiveness of its programs through:

1. Local Contributions and In-Kind Support
● City General Funds supported staffing and program coordination complementing CDBG resources. ● The City hired an environmental consultant using general funds to complete HUD-required environmental reviews for CDBG-funded housing rehabilitation activities. ● Staff time from the City's Housing Division was leveraged to perform intake, case management, and inspections for the Neighborhood Pride Program, providing an administrative match in capacity and labor.

2. Community Partnerships
● The City collaborated with local non-profit organizations and service providers — the Housing Rights Center, Venice Family Clinic, and the Boys & Girls Club of Carson — who contributed volunteer time, case management, space, and technical expertise to extend services to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households.

3. Public Land and Property Use
● No publicly owned land or property was transferred, leased, or sold for the specific purpose of CDBG - supported housing development during the reporting period.

4. Cost Avoidance and Program Sustainability
● The City continued to integrate housing rehab inspections with existing City processes, streamlining the identification of eligible properties in a cost-effective manner.

CR-20 - Affordable Housing 91.520(b)
Evaluation of the jurisdiction's progress in providing affordable housing, including the number and types of families served, the number of extremely low-income, low-income, moderate-income, and middle-income persons served.

One-Year Goal Actual
Number of Homeless households to be provided affordable housing units 0 0 Number of Non-Homeless households to be provided affordable housing units
0 0
Number of Special-Needs households to be provided affordable housing units
0 0
Total 0 0
Table 11 – Number of Households
One-Year Goal Actual
Number of households supported through Rental Assistance 0 0 Number of households supported through The Production of New Units 0 0 Number of households supported through Rehab of Existing Units 9 22 Number of households supported through Acquisition of Existing Units 0 0 Total 9 22
Table 12 – Number of Households Supported
Discuss the difference between goals and outcomes and problems encountered in meeting these goals.

The 2025–2026 program year goals, drawn from the AP sections of the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan, focused on housing rehabilitation, fair housing services, and public service delivery. Program goals were met or substantially exceeded across all three priority areas:
● Housing rehabilitation exceeded its one-year target, completing 22 units against a target of 9 ● Fair housing services exceeded its 45-household target, reaching 110 persons / 68 households. ● Public services (Youth and Health) exceeded combined targets, reaching 1,545 persons.

Discuss how these outcomes will impact future annual action plans.

The experiences and accomplishments of the 2025–2026 program year will inform the City's future planning. The City will continue to prioritize timely procurement and partner coordination to avoid delays in implementation, particularly for housing rehabilitation activities, and will continue to invest in fair housing and public service partnerships that have consistently exceeded their goals.

Include the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons served by each activity where information on income by family size is required to determine the eligibility of the activity.

Income Category Housing (Owner-Occupied Units) Non-Housing (Persons) Extremely Low (≤30%) 15 1,073
Low (>30% and ≤50%) 9 186
Moderate (>50% and ≤80%) 20 67
Total Low/Mod 44 1,326
Non Low/Mod (>80%) 1 16
Total Beneficiaries 45 1,342
Table 13 – Number of Households/Persons Served by Income Category, PR23 Program Year 2025 Narrative Information
The City of Carson remains committed to the preservation and enhancement of affordable housing opportunities for its low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents. In Program Year 2025–2026, the City did not fund new housing construction activities but advanced its affordable housing priorities through investment in the Neighborhood Pride Program (NPP) rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied units, benefiting seniors, persons with disabilities, and other LMI residents.

The City also supported fair housing services to preserve access to existing affordable housing stock and address landlord-tenant disputes. The City's CDBG resources continued to focus on rehabilitation of existing units rather than production of new units.

CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e);

91.520(c)
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs While the City of Carson does not receive Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds directly, it continues to participate actively in regional homelessness coordination efforts in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Through this collaboration, the City supports county-wide Homeless Count efforts, engages local stakeholders, and refers residents to outreach teams who specialize in connecting unsheltered individuals to services.

As far as collaboration with our outreach partners, LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority), Harbor Interfaith, and WLCAC (Watts Labor Community Action Committee) have assisted with providing DMV vouchers and submitting interim housing referrals via HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). 2026 Point-in-Time Homeless Count — City of Carson
According to the Los Angeles Almanac, the January 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count recorded a direct head count of 32 individuals experiencing homelessness in the City of Carson, a decrease from the prior year.

Year 2026 2025 2024 2023
Carson Point-in-Time Count (direct head
count)
32 46 46 61
Table – Carson Homeless Point-in-Time Count, 2023–2026 (Los Angeles Almanac, citing LAHSA) Regional Context (South Bay / SPA 8)
Carson is served by Service Planning Area (SPA) 8 – South Bay/Harbor. Unlike the countywide trend — Los Angeles County overall saw a 1.2% increase in homelessness in 2026, following two consecutive years of decline — SPA 8 was one of the few regions to see continued improvement. The Los Angeles County Department of Homeless Services and Housing reported a 12% overall reduction in homelessness and an 8% decrease in unsheltered homelessness in SPA 8, crediting sustained, coordinated Pathway Home interventions with local jurisdictional partners.

Direct counts reflect a snapshot in time from the January 2026 street and shelter tallies released by LAHSA on July 24, 2026.

Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons Although Carson lacks a permanent emergency shelter within its city limits, the City continued to work with local transitional housing operators in surrounding jurisdictions to secure beds for referred clients, including Harbor Interfaith Services and Bridge to Home.

Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless The City directed CDBG Public Service funding to organizations that help prevent homelessness by addressing upstream factors, including fair housing services that resolved landlord-tenant conflicts and prevented evictions.

Helping homeless persons make the transition to permanent housing and independent living Though the City does not operate permanent supportive housing directly, it supports efforts to reduce the length and recurrence of homelessness through referrals and case management with regional partners.

CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j)
Actions taken to address the needs of public housing
The City did not set any specific public housing goals in the 2025–2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The City does not own, operate, or manage any public housing within its boundaries. That role in Carson is carried out by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). (The Carson Housing Authority is an entity created in the wake of the statewide dissolution of local redevelopment agencies to carry out the remaining affordable housing development responsibilities of the former Carson Redevelopment Agency.) Actions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
The City does not own, operate, or manage any public housing within its boundaries. That role within Carson is carried out by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).

Actions taken to provide assistance to troubled PHAs
Not applicable. The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is not a troubled PHA.

CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j)
Actions taken to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing. 91.220(j); 91.320(i)
The City of Carson continued to assess and update local housing policies to reduce barriers to affordable housing during 2025–2026 by:
● Streamlining residential rehabilitation programs, especially for mobile homes, where modest repairs helped preserve naturally occurring affordable housing.
● Maintaining waived or reduced permitting fees for CDBG-funded rehab work. ● Participating in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) implementation process and updating local land use policies to accommodate additional affordable housing. ● Coordinating with the Planning Division to ensure zoning and land use decisions promote housing diversity and density where appropriate.

Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) Persistent challenges — limited funding, rising construction costs, and disproportionate needs among vulnerable populations — continued to affect the City's capacity to fully meet underserved needs during the program year.

Actions taken to reduce lead-based paint hazards. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The City of Carson follows all applicable federal lead-based paint requirements for activities completed through the Neighborhood Pride Program. Properties constructed prior to 1978 are tested for lead -based paint hazards, as required. Based on the test results, appropriate lead-safe remediation or abatement measures are incorporated into the rehabilitation work.

Actions taken to reduce the number of poverty-level families. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) Although not a direct anti-poverty program, Carson's CDBG-funded activities aim to stabilize housing, enhance access to services, and build pathways to self-sufficiency, including supporting youth education services and connecting low-income residents to legal assistance and benefits enrollment through regional coordination with LAHSA and County agencies.

Actions taken to develop institutional structure. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) To strengthen its capacity for effective program delivery, the City of Carson continued to improve coordination across departments and enhance internal processes that support HUD-funded activities, including regular reconciliation between the City's financial system and IDIS records.

Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies.

91.220(k); 91.320(j)
The City continued to work collaboratively with nonprofit agencies, LAHSA, the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA), and neighboring cities to improve service coordination.

Identify actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified in the jurisdiction's analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. 91.520(a)
The City funded the Housing Rights Center to provide outreach, counseling, and legal support to residents experiencing housing discrimination or landlord/tenant disputes, and offered fair housing workshops and materials citywide.

CR-40 - Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and used to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements The City of Carson maintains a system of internal controls and oversight to ensure compliance with HUD regulations and the goals outlined in the Consolidated and Annual Action Plans. Monitoring activities are conducted both internally by City staff and externally through subrecipient documentation and site visits.

During the 2025–2026 program year, the City:
● Conducted quarterly reviews of subrecipient invoices and program outcomes. ● Required monthly or quarterly performance reports documenting client demographics, services delivered, and measurable outcomes.
● Maintained a centralized tracking system in coordination with the Finance Department to ensure timely drawdowns, prevent duplication of benefits, and reconcile expenditures with IDIS. ● Verified eligibility documentation for all CDBG-funded housing rehab recipients and public service beneficiaries.
● Used checklists aligned with HUD CPD monitoring guides to assess compliance with financial management, procurement, civil rights, and recordkeeping requirements.

Minority- and Women-Owned Business Outreach
The City does not discriminate against minority- and women-owned businesses in its bidding and contracting process. The City has contracted for housing rehabilitation inspection and technical assistance services with MDG Associates, Inc., a minority-owned business concern, and continues to utilize minority- and women-owned contractors in the Neighborhood Pride Program.

Citizen Participation Plan 91.105(d); 91.115(d)
Describe the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on performance reports.

In accordance with the City's adopted Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), residents will be given multiple opportunities to participate in the development of the CAPER and evaluate program performance, consistent with prior program years:
● A minimum 15-day public comment period will be noticed in a local newspaper and on the City's website in both English and Spanish.
● The draft CAPER will be made available at City Hall and electronically through the Community Development Department webpage.
● Residents will be invited to submit written comments via email or in person. ● The City will hold a City Council public hearing, at which the CAPER will be presented for public testimony and Council consideration and approval prior to submission to HUD. ● All comments received will be recorded and summarized in the final CAPER submission (CR -15 / Appendix B).

CR-45 - CDBG 91.520(c)
Specify the nature of, and reasons for, any changes in the jurisdiction's program objectives and indications of how the jurisdiction would change its programs as a result of its experiences.

During the 2025–2026 program year, the City of Carson remained aligned with the core objectives identified in its 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan: expanding affordable housing options through rehabilitation, delivering community services to vulnerable populations, and providing fair housing services.

Notably, PY2025-2026 marked the transition away from CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funded activities, which supported COVID-19 response programming in PY2024-2025; no CDBG-CV funds were disbursed in PY2025- 2026.

Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan During the program year, the City processed one Substantial Amendment to the 2025 -2026 Annual Action Plan, approved by the City Council following a public hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (preceded by a 30 -day public comment period, August 19 – September 15, 2025).

The Substantial Amendment reallocated unused prior-year CDBG funds to increase available funding for the Neighborhood Pride Program (NPP), the City's owner-occupied residential rehabilitation program. Specifically:
● $414,689.22 in unexpended CDBG funds from PY2023-2024 was rolled over and reallocated to the NPP. ● $481,207.00 in unexpended CDBG funds from PY2024-2025 was rolled over and reallocated to the NPP. ● Combined with the NPP's original PY2025-2026 entitlement allocation of $477,989, this increased total available NPP funding to $1,373,885.22 for the program year. ● The amendment met the City's Citizen Participation Plan threshold for a Substantial Amendment (an increase or decrease greater than $300,000 in an activity allocation).

This funding increase was accompanied by a revised performance target: the NPP's one -year goal was raised from approximately 20 households to approximately 45 households (owner -occupants of single-family residences and mobile homes). As reflected in CR-05 and CR-20 above, the City completed 28 units against this amended target (62.22%) — exceeding the original 20-household target, but below the amended 45-household target given the compressed timeframe between the amendment's September 2025 approval and pro gram year-end.

The activity funded under this amendment (residential rehabilitation) remained an eligible use of CDBG funds under 24 CFR 570.202(a)(1); no new activity types were introduced.

Does this Jurisdiction have any open Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grants? No
[BEDI grantees] Describe accomplishments and program outcomes during the last year.

Not applicable.

CR-58 – Section 3
Identify the number of individuals assisted and the types of assistance provided Total Labor Hours CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA HTF
Total Number of Activities 0 0 0 0 0
Total Labor Hours
Total Section 3 Worker Hours
Total Targeted Section 3 Worker Hours
Table 14 – Total Labor Hours
Narrative
For the 2025–2026 program year, the City of Carson did not undertake any Section 3-covered projects or activities.

No public housing or HUD-funded housing construction, rehabilitation, or other public infrastructure projects under CDBG during this reporting period qualified as Section 3-triggering activities.

As such, Section 3 reporting is not applicable for this CAPER cycle. The City remains committed to ensuring equal opportunity in employment and contracting should future activities trigger Section 3 compliance.

CITY OF CARSON 701 East Carson Street
Report to Honorable Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
DISCUSSION 33. To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Dr. Arlington Rodgers, Director of Public Works PW Engineering Subject: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICESAGREEMENT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC. FOR THE CARRIAGE CREST PARK EXPANSION ANDIMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 1368) (CITY COUNCIL) I. SUMMARY
On June 6, 2023, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. (RJM) to provide design services for the Carriage Crest Park Expansion and Improvements Project. The original agreement had a not-to-exceed amount of $904,455 and a term ending July 19, 2024 (Exhibit No. 1).

On July 19, 2024, Amendment No. 1 extended the agreement through December 31, 2025, to allow RJM to continue providing construction support services as the project moved from design into construction. On November 5, 2025, the City Council approved Amendment No. 2, which extended the agreement through June 30, 2026, and increased the contract amount by $200,000, resulting in a revised total not-to-exceed amount of $1,104,455.

Construction of the project remains underway and is approximately 80% complete. The remaining work consists primarily of site improvements, including completion of the parking areas, landscaping, installation of the artificial turf soccer field, completion of the dog park, and installation of site furnishings and other final amenities. Staff anticipates that construction will be substantially complete in advance of the project's planned ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in October 2026. During construction, unforeseen field conditions and other project- related issues have affected the schedule and extended the construction period beyond what was originally anticipated. As a result, continued design, technical, and construction support from RJM is needed through project completion to address issues as they arise and assist the City in completing the remaining work.

Consequently, staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed Amendment No. 3 to the agreement with RJM (Exhibit No. 2). The proposed amendment would extend the agreement through December 31, 2026, and provide an additional $66,580 for continued professional services, increasing the total not-to-exceed contract amount from $1,104,455 to $1,171,035.

II. RECOMMENDATION
TAKE the following actions:

1. APPROVE proposed Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. for Project No. 1368, Carriage Crest Park Expansion and Improvements Project, increasing the agreement by $66,580, for a revised total not-to-exceed amount of $1,171,035, and extending the agreement term through December 31, 2026; and,

2. AUTHORIZE the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 following approval as to form by the City Attorney.

III. ALTERNATIVES

1. DO NOT APPROVE proposed Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc.

2. TAKE any other action the City Council deems appropriate, consistent with applicable law.

IV. BACKGROUND
Project No. 1368, the Carriage Crest Park Expansion and Improvements Project, is a major park improvement project that includes renovation of the existing main park building and development of approximately ten additional acres of land leased from the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. The expanded park is planned to include a new playground, outdoor fitness area, lighted athletic fields, dog park, basketball court, restrooms and storage buildings, and a walking and jogging loop. These improvements are intended to expand recreational opportunities and provide updated park amenities for the community.

On June 6, 2023, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. (RJM) for an amount not to exceed $904,455. Under the agreement, RJM was retained to prepare the project’s design plans, technical specifications, and construction cost estimates; assist the City during the contractor bidding process; and provide professional design and technical support during construction. The original agreement extended through July 19, 2024. As the project advanced from design into construction, additional time and professional services were needed to maintain continuity and address project-related issues. Amendment No. 1 extended RJM’s agreement through December 31, 2025, allowing the firm to continue providing design and construction support as the project progressed. On November 5, 2025, the City Council subsequently approved Amendment No. 2, extending the agreement through June 30, 2026, and increasing the contract amount by $200,000, from $904,455 to $1,104,455. A significant portion of the additional work resulted from the decision to redesign the proposed restroom and storage buildings. The original project contemplated prefabricated buildings, meaning structures manufactured off-site and delivered to the park for installation. However, manufacturer fabrication and delivery times were estimated at approximately 35 to 40 weeks. To avoid further project delays, the City elected to redesign these facilities for traditional on-site construction. Additional project improvements were also identified during implementation, including security cameras and a monument sign with a reader board. These changes, together with unforeseen project conditions and logistical and scheduling challenges, required additional design work, plan revisions, coordination, and construction support from RJM.

Since approval of Amendment No. 2, the construction schedule has extended further due to unforeseen field conditions, schedule impacts, and additional coordination necessary to complete the project. As a result, RJM’s continued involvement is needed to address design-related issues that arise during construction, revise plans as necessary, and provide construction administration and technical support through project completion. Maintaining the project designer’s involvement through this final stage will also provide continuity and help ensure that the improvements are completed in accordance with the approved plans and the City’s expectations for functionality, safety, and quality, Consequently, staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with RJM. The proposed amendment would extend the agreement through December 31, 2026, and increase the contract amount by $66,580, resulting in a revised total not-to- exceed contract amount of $1,171,035.

Approval of the proposed Amendment No. 3 will allow RJM to provide the remaining architectural, design, plan revision, construction administration, and technical support services necessary to assist the City through the remainder of construction. Continuing these services is intended to minimize additional delays, address issues as they arise, and support the timely completion and planned opening of the Carriage Crest Park Expansion and Improvements Project. Construction of the project remains underway and is approximately 80% complete. The remaining work consists primarily of site improvements, including completion of the parking areas, landscaping, installation of the artificial turf soccer field, completion of the dog park, and installation of site furnishings and other final amenities. Staff anticipates that construction will be substantially complete in advance of the project's planned ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in October 2026.

V. FISCAL IMPACT
If the City Council approves the proposed Amendment No. 3, the Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. will increase by $66,580, resulting in a revised total not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,171,035. The agreement term will also be extended through December 31, 2026.

As a separate item on tonight’s agenda, the City Council will consider Resolution No. 26-099 , which would increase the Project No. PW1368 budget by a total of $870,000 using Development Impact Fee (DIF) funds from Account No. 289-99-999-904-8008. Of this amount, $70,000 is being added to provide sufficient funding for RJM’s continued technical and construction support, including the $66,580 requested under Amendment No. 3. The remaining $800,000 relates to a previously approved settlement and corresponding contract increase for Urban Habitat, the construction contractor for Project No. PW1368. Although the City Council previously authorized the $800,000 increase to Urban Habitat’s construction contract, the overall project budget was not increased at that time to account for the additional cost.

Accordingly, Resolution No. 26-099 would provide the necessary budget authority for both previously approved and currently proposed project costs: $800,000 for the Urban Habitat contract increase and $70,000 for RJM technical support, for a total project budget increase of $870,000. This funding action will ensure that sufficient funds are available within the project budget to complete the remaining work and professional support services associated with the Carriage Crest Park Expansion and Improvements Project.

VI. EXHIBITS

1. RJM Design Group, Inc. Original Agreement

2. RJM Design Group, Inc. Proposed Agreement Amendment No. 3 Attachments

1. RJM Design Group, Inc. Original Agreement

2. RJM Design Group, Inc. Agreement Amendment No. 3

CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT
By and Between

CITY OF CARSON
and
RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC. 1

AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES

BETWEEN THE CITY OF CARSON AND
RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC.

THIS AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES (herein “Agreement”) is made and entered into this O^May of , 2023 by and between the CITY OF CARSON, a California municipal corporation (“City”) and RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC., a California corporation (“Consultant”). City and Consultant are sometimes hereinafter individually referred to as “Party” and hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

RECITALS
City has sought, by issuance of a Request for Proposals or Invitation for Bids, the performance of the services defined and described particularly in Article 1 of this Agreement.

A.

Consultant, following submission of a proposal or bid for the performance of the services defined and described particularly in Article 1 of this Agreement, was selected by the City to perform those services.

B.

Pursuant to the City of Carson’s Municipal Code, City has authority to enter into C. and execute this Agreement.

The Parties desire to formalize the selection of Consultant for performance of those services defined and described particularly in Article 1 of this Agreement and desire that the terms of that performance be as particularly defined and described herein.

D.

OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants made by the Parties and contained herein and other consideration, the value and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1. SERVICES OF CONSULTANT
Scope of Services. 1.1
In compliance with all terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide those services specified in the “Scope of Services” attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this reference, which may be referred to herein as the “services” or “work” hereunder.

As a material. inducement to the City entering into this Agreement, Consultant represents and warrants that it has the qualifications, experience, and facilities necessary to properly perform the services required under this Agreement in a thorough, competent, and professional manner, and is experienced in performing the work and services contemplated herein. Consultant shall at all times faithfully, competently and to the best of its ability, experience and talent, perform all services described herein. Consultant covenants that it shall follow the highest professional standards in performing the work and services required hereunder and that all materials will be both of good quality as well as fit for the purpose intended. For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “highest -1-01007.0001/857206.2
professional standards” shall mean those standards of practice recognized by one or more first- class firms performing similar work under similar circumstances.

Consultant’s Proposal. 1.2
The Scope of Service shall include the Consultant’s scope of work or bid which shall be incorporated herein by this reference as though folly set forth herein. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of such proposal and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

Compliance with Law.1.3
Consultant shall keep itself informed concerning, and shall render all services hereunder in accordance with, all ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules, and regulations of the City and any Federal, State or local governmental entity having jurisdiction in effect at the time service is rendered.

Licenses. Permits. Fees and Assessments. 1.4
Consultant shall obtain at its sole cost and expense such licenses, permits and approvals as may be required by law for the performance of the services required by this Agreement. Consultant shall have the sole obligation to pay for any fees, assessments and taxes, plus applicable penalties and interest, which may be imposed by law and arise from or are necessary for the Consultant’s performance of the services required by this Agreement, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its officers, employees or agents of City, against any such fees, assessments, taxes, penalties or interest levied, assessed or imposed against City hereunder.

Familiarity with Work.1.5
By executing this Agreement, Consultant warrants that Consultant (i) has thoroughly investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed, (ii) has carefully considered how the services should be performed, and (iii) folly understands the facilities, difficulties and restrictions attending performance of the services under this Agreement. If the services involve work upon any site, Consultant warrants that Consultant has or will investigate the site and is or will be folly acquainted with the conditions there existing, prior to commencement of services hereunder. Should the Consultant discover any latent or unknown conditions, which will materially affect the performance of the services hereunder, Consultant shall immediately inform the City of such fact and shall not proceed except at Consultant’s risk until written instructions are received from the Contract Officer.
/
Care of Work.1.6
The Consultant shall adopt reasonable methods during the life of the Agreement to furnish continuous protection to the work, and the equipment, materials, papers, documents, plans, studies and/or other components thereof to prevent losses or damages, and shall be responsible for all such damages, to persons or property, until acceptance of the work by City, except such losses or damages as may be caused by City’s own negligence.
-2-01007.0001/857206.2
Further Responsibilities of Parties.1.7
Both parties agree to use reasonable care and diligence to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement. Both parties agree to act in good faith to execute all instruments, prepare all documents and take all actions as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. Unless hereafter specified, neither party shall be responsible for the service of the other.

Additional Services. 1.8
City shall have the right at any time during the performance of the services, without invalidating this Agreement, to order extra work beyond that specified in the Scope of Services or make changes by altering, adding to or deducting from said work. No such extra work may be undertaken unless a written order is first given by the Contract Officer to the Consultant, incorporating therein any adjustment in (i) the Contract Sum for the actual costs of the extra work, and/or (ii) the time to perform this Agreement, which said adjustments are subject to the written approval of the Consultant. Any increase in compensation of up to ten percent (10%) of the Contract Sum or $25,000, whichever is less; or, in the time to perform of up to one hundred eighty (180) days, may be approved by the Contract Officer. Any greater increases, taken either separately or cumulatively, must be approved by the City Council. It is expressly understood by Consultant that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to services specifically set forth in the Scope of Services. Consultant hereby acknowledges that it accepts the risk that the services to be provided pursuant to the Scope of Services may be more costly or time consuming than Consultant anticipates and that Consultant shall not be entitled to additional compensation therefor. City may in its sole and absolute discretion have similar work done by other contractors. No claims for an increase in the Contract Sum or time for performance shall be valid unless the procedures established in this Section are followed.

Special Requirements. 1.9
Additional terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any, which are made a part hereof are set forth in the “Special Requirements” attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of Exhibit “B” and any other provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of Exhibit “B” shall govern.

ARTICLE 2. COMPENSATION AND METHOD OF PAYMENT.

2.1 Contract Sum.

Subject to any limitations set forth in this Agreement, City agrees to pay Consultant the amounts specified in the “Schedule of Compensation” attached hereto as Exhibit “C” and incorporated herein by this reference. The total compensation, including reimbursement for actual expenses, shall not exceed Nine Hundred Four Thousand Four Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars ($904,455) (the “Contract Sum”), unless additional compensation is approved pursuant to Section

1.8. -3-01007.0001/857206.2
Method of Compensation.2.2
The method of compensation may include: (i) a lump sum payment upon completion; (ii) payment in accordance with specified tasks or the percentage of completion of the services, less contract retention; (iii) payment for time and materials based upon the Consultant’s rates as specified in the Schedule of Compensation, provided that (a) time estimates are provided for the performance of sub tasks, (b) contract retention is maintained, and (c) the Contract Sum is not exceeded; or (iv) such other methods as may be specified in the Schedule of Compensation.

Reimbursable Expenses.2.3
Compensation may include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for reproduction costs, telephone expenses, and travel expenses approved by the Contract Officer in advance, or actual subcontractor expenses of an approved subcontractor pursuant to Section 4.5, and only if specified in the Schedule of Compensation. The Contract Sum shall include the attendance of Consultant at all project meetings reasonably deemed necessary by the City.

Coordination of the performance of the work with City is a critical component of the services. If Consultant is required to attend additional meetings to facilitate such coordination, Consultant shall not be entitled to any additional compensation for attending said meetings.

Invoices.2.4
Each month Consultant shall furnish to City an original invoice for all work performed and expenses incurred during the preceding month in a form approved by City’s Director of Finance.

By submitting an invoice for payment under this Agreement, Consultant is certifying compliance with all provisions of the Agreement. The invoice shall detail charges for all necessary and actual expenses by the following categories: labor (by sub-category), travel, materials, equipment, supplies, and sub-contractor contracts. Sub-contractor charges shall also be detailed by such categories. Consultant shall not invoice City for any duplicate services performed by more than one person.

City shall independently review each invoice submitted by the Consultant to determine whether the work performed and expenses incurred are in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement. Except as to any charges for work performed or expenses incurred by Consultant which are disputed by City, or as provided in Section 7.3, City will use its best efforts to cause Consultant to be paid within forty-five (45) days of receipt of Consultant’s correct and undisputed invoice; however, Consultant acknowledges and agrees that due to City warrant run procedures, the City cannot guarantee that payment will occur within this time period. In the event any charges or expenses are disputed by City, the original invoice shall be returned by City to Consultant for correction and resubmission. Review and payment by City for any invoice provided by the Consultant shall not constitute a waiver of any rights or remedies provided herein or any applicable law.

Waiver. 2.5
Payment to Consultant for work performed pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed to waive any defects in work performed by Consultant.
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ARTICLE 3. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

3.1 Time of Essence.

Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.

Schedule of Performance.3.2
Consultant shall commence the services pursuant to this Agreement upon receipt of a written notice to proceed and shall perform all services within the time period(s) established in the “Schedule of Performance” attached hereto as Exhibit “D” and incorporated herein by this reference. When requested by the Consultant, extensions to the time period(s) specified in the Schedule of Performance may be approved in writing by the Contract Officer but not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days cumulatively.

Force Maieure.3.3
The time period(s) specified in the Schedule of Performance for performance of the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement shall be extended because of any delays due to unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Consultant, including, but not restricted to, acts of God or of the public enemy, unusually severe weather, fires, earthquakes, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, riots, strikes, freight embargoes, wars, litigation, and/or acts of any governmental agency, including the City, if the Consultant shall within ten (10) days of the commencement of such delay notify the Contract Officer in writing of the causes of the delay. The Contract Officer shall ascertain the facts and the extent of delay, and extend the time for performing the services for the period of the enforced delay when and if in the judgment of the Contract Officer such delay is justified. The Contract Officer’s determination shall be final and conclusive upon the parties to this Agreement. In no event shall Consultant be entitled to recover damages against the City for any delay in the performance of this Agreement, however caused, Consultant’s sole remedy being extension of the Agreement pursuant to this Section.

3.4 Term.

Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article 7 of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until completion of the services but not exceeding one (1) years from the date hereof, except as otherwise provided in the Schedule of Performance (Exhibit ;D”).

ARTICLE 4. COORDINATION OF WORK
Representatives and Personnel of Consultant. 4.1
The following principals of Consultant (“Principals”) are hereby designated as being the principals and representatives of Consultant authorized to act in its behalf with respect to the work specified herein and make all decisions in connection therewith:

Zachary Mueting Principal
(Title) (Name)
-5-01007.0001/857206.2
(Name) (Title)
(Name) (Title)
It is expressly understood that the experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of the foregoing principals were a substantial inducement for City to enter into this Agreement.

Therefore, the foregoing principals shall be responsible during the term of this Agreement for directing all activities of Consultant and devoting sufficient time to personally supervise the services hereunder. All personnel of Consultant, and any authorized agents, shall at all times be under the exclusive direction and control of the Principals. For purposes of this Agreement, the foregoing Principals may not be replaced nor may their responsibilities be substantially reduced by Consultant without the express written approval of City. Additionally, Consultant shall utilize only competent personnel to perform services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall make every reasonable effort to maintain the stability and continuity of Consultant’s staff and subcontractors, if any, assigned to perform the services required under this Agreement. Consultant shall notify City of any changes in Consultant’s staff and subcontractors, if any, assigned to perform the services required under this Agreement, prior to and during any such performance.

4.2 Status of Consultant.

Consultant shall have no authority to bind City in any manner, or to incur any obligation, debt or liability of any kind on behalf of or against City, whether by contract or otherwise, unless such authority is expressly conferred under this Agreement or is otherwise expressly conferred in writing by City. Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that Consultant or any of Consultant’s officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officials, officers, employees or agents of City. Neither Consultant, nor any of Consultant’s officers, employees or agents, shall obtain any rights to retirement, health care or any other benefits which may otherwise accrue to City’s employees. Consultant expressly waives any claim Consultant may have to any such rights.

Contract Officer.4.3
The Contract Officer shall be Kenneth Young, Senior Civil Engineer, or such other person as may be designated by the City Manager. It shall be the Consultant’s responsibility to assure that the Contract Officer is kept informed of the progress of the performance of the services and the Consultant shall refer any decisions which must be made by City to the Contract Officer. Unless otherwise specified herein, any approval of City required hereunder shall mean the approval of the Contract Officer. The Contract Officer shall have authority, if specified in writing by the City Manager, to sign all documents on behalf of the City required hereunder to carry out the terms of this Agreement.

4.4 Independent Consultant.

Neither the City nor any of its employees shall have any control over the manner, mode or means by which Consultant, its agents or employees, perform the services required herein, except as otherwise set forth herein. City shall have no voice in the selection, discharge, supervision or control of Consultant’s employees, servants, representatives or agents, or in fixing their number, -6-01007.0001/857206.2
compensation or hours of service. Consultant shall perform all services required herein as an independent contractor of City and shall remain at all times as to City a wholly independent contractor with only such obligations as are consistent with that role. Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that it or any of its agents or employees are agents or employees of City. City shall not in any way or for any purpose become or be deemed to be a partner of Consultant in its business or otherwise or a joint venturer or a member of any joint enterprise with Consultant.

Prohibition Against Subcontracting or Assignment. 4.5
The experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of Consultant, its principals and employees were a substantial inducement for the City to enter into this Agreement. Therefore, Consultant shall not contract with any other entity to perform in whole or in part the services required hereunder without the express written approval of the City. In addition, neither this Agreement nor any interest herein may be transferred, assigned, conveyed, hypothecated or encumbered voluntarily or by operation of law, whether for the benefit of creditors or otherwise, without the prior written approval of City. Transfers restricted hereunder shall include the transfer to any person or group of persons acting in concert of more than twenty five percent (25%) of the present ownership and/or control of Consultant, taking all transfers into account on a cumulative basis. In the event of any such unapproved transfer, including any bankruptcy proceeding, this Agreement shall be void. No approved transfer shall release the Consultant or any surety of Consultant of any liability hereunder without the express consent of City.

ARTICLE 5. INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION

5.1 Insurance Coverages.

The Consultant shall procure and maintain, at its sole cost and expense, in a form and content satisfactory to City, during the entire term of this Agreement including any extension thereof, the following policies of insurance which shall cover all elected and appointed officers, employees and agents of City:

General Liability Insurance (Occurrence Form CG0001 or equivalent). A policy of comprehensive general liability insurance written on a per occurrence basis for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. The policy of insurance shall be in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence or if a general aggregate limit is used, then the general aggregate limit shall be twice the occurrence limit.
(a)
Worker’s Compensation Insurance. A policy of worker’s compensation insurance in such amount as will fully comply with the laws of the State of California and which shall indemnify, insure and provide legal defense for the Consultant against any loss, claim or damage arising from any injuries or occupational diseases occurring to any worker employed by or any persons retained by the Consultant in the course of carrying out the work or services contemplated in this Agreement.
(b)
Automotive Insurance (Form CA 0001 (Ed 1/87) including “any auto” and endorsement CA 0025 or equivalent). A policy of comprehensive automobile liability insurance written on a per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage in an amount not less than (c)
-7-01007.0001/857206.2
$1,000,000. Said policy shall include coverage for owned, non-owned, leased, hired cars and any automobile.

Professional Liability. Professional liability insurance appropriate to the Consultant’s profession. This coverage may be written on a “claims made” basis, and must include coverage for contractual liability. The professional liability insurance required by this Agreement must be endorsed to be applicable to claims based upon, arising out of or related to services performed under this Agreement. The insurance must be maintained for at least 5 consecutive years following the completion of Consultant’s services or the termination of this Agreement.

During this additional 5-year period, Consultant shall annually and upon request of the City submit written evidence of this continuous coverage.
(d)
Subcontractors. Consultant shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and certified endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall include all of the requirements stated herein. (e)
(f) Additional Insurance. Policies of such other insurance, as may be required in the Special Requirements in Exhibit “B”.

Broader Coverages and Higher Limits. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, if Consultant maintains broader coverages and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverages and/or higher limits maintained by Consultant.
(g)

5.2 General Insurance Requirements.

All of the above policies of insurance shall be primary insurance and shall name the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees and agents as additional insureds and any insurance maintained by City or its officers, employees or agents may apply in excess of, and not contribute with Consultant’s insurance. The insurer is deemed hereof to waive all rights of subrogation and contribution it may have against the City, its officers, employees and agents and their respective insurers. Moreover, the insurance policy must specify that where the primary insured does not satisfy the self-insured retention, any additional insured may satisfy the self-insured retention.

All of said policies of insurance shall provide that said insurance may not be amended or cancelled by the insurer or any party hereto without providing thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail return receipt requested to the City. In the event any of said policies of insurance are cancelled, the Consultant shall, prior to the cancellation date, submit new evidence of insurance in conformance with Section 5.1 to the Contract Officer.

No work or services under this Agreement shall commence until the Consultant has provided the City with Certificates of Insurance, additional insured endorsement forms or appropriate insurance binders evidencing the above insurance coverages and said Certificates of Insurance or binders are approved by the City. City reserves the right to inspect complete, certified copies of and endorsements to all required insurance policies at any time. Any failure to comply with the reporting or other provisions of the policies including breaches or warranties shall not affect coverage provided to City.
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All certificates shall name the City as additional insured (providing the appropriate endorsement) and shall conform to the following “cancellation” notice:

CANCELLATION:

SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE

CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATED THEREOF,
THE ISSUING COMPANY SHALL MAIL THIRTY (30)-DAY

ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE TO CERTIFICATE HOLDER
NAMED HEREIN.
[to be initialed)
Consultant Initials
City, its respective elected and appointed officers, directors, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds as respects: liability arising out of activities Consultant performs; products and completed operations of Consultant; premises owned, occupied or used by Consultant; or any automobiles owned, leased, hired or borrowed by Consultant. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to City, and their respective elected and appointed officers, officials, employees or volunteers. Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.

Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by City. At the option of City, either the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects City or its respective elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers or the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, defense expenses and claims. The Consultant agrees that the requirement to provide insurance shall not be construed as limiting in any way the extent to which the Consultant may be held responsible for the payment of damages to any persons or property resulting from the Consultant’s activities or the activities of any person or persons for which the Consultant is otherwise responsible nor shall it limit the Consultant’s indemnification liabilities as provided in Section 5.3.

In the event the Consultant subcontracts any portion of the work in compliance with Section 4.5 of this Agreement, the contract between the Consultant and such subcontractor shall require the subcontractor to maintain the same policies of insurance that the Consultant is required to maintain pursuant to Section 5.1, and such certificates and endorsements shall be provided to City.

Indemnification. 5.3
To the full extent permitted by law, Consultant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees and agents (“Indemnified Parties”) against, and will hold and save them and each of them harmless from, any and all actions, either judicial, administrative, arbitration or regulatory claims, damages to persons or property, losses, costs, penalties, obligations, errors, omissions or liabilities whether actual or threatened (herein “claims or liabilities”) that may be asserted or claimed by any person, firm or entity arising out of or in -9-01007.0001/857206.2
connection with the negligent performance of the work, operations or activities provided herein of Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, subcontractors, or invitees, or any individual or entity for which Consultant is legally liable (“indemnitors”), or arising from Consultant’s or indemnitors’ reckless or willful misconduct, or arising from Consultant’s or indemnitors’ negligent performance of or failure to perform any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Agreement, and in connection therewith:

Consultant will defend any action or actions filed in connection with any of said claims or liabilities and will pay all costs and expenses, including legal costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection therewith;
(a)
Consultant will promptly pay any judgment rendered against the City, its officers, agents or employees for any such claims or liabilities arising out of or in connection with the negligent performance of or failure to perform such work, operations or activities of Consultant hereunder; and Consultant agrees to save and hold the City, its officers, agents, and employees harmless therefrom;
(b)
In the event the City, its officers, agents or employees is made a party to any action or proceeding filed or prosecuted against Consultant for such damages or other claims arising out of or in connection with the negligent performance of or failure to perform the work, operation or activities of Consultant hereunder, Consultant agrees to pay to the City, its officers, agents or employees, any and all costs and expenses incurred by the City, its officers, agents or employees in such action or proceeding, including but not limited to, legal costs and attorneys’ fees.
(c)
Consultant shall incorporate similar indemnity agreements with its subcontractors and if it fails to do so Consultant shall be frilly responsible to indemnify City hereunder therefore, and failure of City to monitor compliance with these provisions shall not be a waiver hereof. This indemnification includes claims or liabilities arising from any negligent or wrongful act, error or omission, or reckless or willful misconduct of Consultant in the performance of professional services hereunder. The provisions of this Section do not apply to claims or liabilities occurring as a result of City’s sole negligence or willful acts or omissions, but, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall apply to claims and liabilities resulting in part from City’s negligence, except that design professionals’ indemnity hereunder shall be limited to claims and liabilities arising out of the negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct of the design professional. The indemnity obligation shall be binding on successors and assigns of Consultant and shall survive termination of this Agreement.

Sufficiency of Insurer.5.4
Insurance required by this Agreement shall be satisfactory only if issued by companies qualified to do business in California, rated “A” or better in the most recent edition of Best Rating Guide, The Key Rating Guide or in the Federal Register, and only if they are of a financial category Class VII or better, unless such requirements are waived by the Risk Manager of the City (“Risk Manager”) due to unique circumstances. If this Agreement continues for more than 3 years duration, or in the event the risk manager determines that the work or services to be performed under this Agreement creates an increased or decreased risk of loss to the City, the Consultant -10-01007.0001/857206.2
agrees that the minimum limits of the insurance policies may be changed accordingly upon receipt of written notice from the Risk Manager.

ARTICLE 6. RECORDS, REPORTS, AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION

6.1 Records.

Consultant shall keep, and require subcontractors to keep, such ledgers, books of accounts, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, reports, studies or other documents relating to the disbursements charged to City and services performed hereunder (the “books and records”), as shall be necessary to perform the services required by this Agreement and enable the Contract Officer to evaluate the performance of such services. Any and all such documents shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be complete and detailed. The Contract Officer shall have full and free access to such books and records at all times during normal business hours of City, including the right to inspect, copy, audit and make records and transcripts from such records. Such records shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years following completion of the services hereunder, and the City shall have access to such records in the event any audit is required. In the event of dissolution of Consultant’s business, custody of the books and records may be given to City, and access shall be provided by Consultant’s successor in interest. Notwithstanding the above, the Consultant shall fully cooperate with the City in providing access to the books and records if a public records request is made and disclosure is required by law including but not limited to the California Public Records Act.

Reports. 6.2
Consultant shall periodically prepare and submit to the Contract Officer such reports concerning the performance of the services required by this Agreement as the Contract Officer shall require. Consultant hereby acknowledges that the City is greatly concerned about the cost of work and services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement. For this reason, Consultant agrees that if Consultant becomes aware of any facts, circumstances, techniques, or events that may or will materially increase or decrease the cost of the work or services contemplated herein or, if Consultant is providing design services, the cost of the project being designed, Consultant shall promptly notify the Contract Officer of said fact, circumstance, technique or event and the estimated increased or decreased cost related thereto and, if Consultant is providing design services, the estimated increased or decreased cost estimate for the project being designed.

Ownership of Documents. 6.3
All drawings, specifications, maps, designs, photographs, studies, surveys, data, notes, computer files, reports, records, documents and other materials (the “documents and materials”) prepared by Consultant, its employees, subcontractors and agents in the performance of this Agreement shall be the property of City and shall be delivered to City upon request of the Contract Officer or upon the termination of this Agreement, and Consultant shall have no claim for further employment or additional compensation as a result of the exercise by City of its full rights of ownership use, reuse, or assignment of the documents and materials hereunder. Any use, reuse or assignment of such completed documents for other projects and/or use of uncompleted documents without specific written authorization by the Consultant will be at the City’s sole risk and without -11-01007.0001/857206.2
liability to Consultant, and Consultant’s guarantee and warranties shall not extend to such use, reuse or assignment. Consultant may retain copies of such documents for its own use. Consultant shall have the right to use the concepts embodied therein. All subcontractors shall provide for assignment to City of any documents or materials prepared by them, and in the event Consultant fails to secure such assignment, Consultant shall indemnify City for all damages resulting therefrom. Moreover, Consultant with respect to any documents and materials that may qualify as “works made for hire” as defined in 17 U.S.C. § 101, such documents and materials are hereby deemed “works made for hire” for the City.

Confidentiality and Release of Information. 6.4
All information gained or work product produced by Consultant in performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential, unless such information is in the public domain or already known to Consultant. Consultant shall not release or disclose any such information or work product to persons or entities other than City without prior written authorization from the Contract Officer.
(a)
Consultant, its officers, employees, agents or subcontractors, shall not, without prior written authorization from the Contract Officer or unless requested by the City Attorney, voluntarily provide documents, declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories or other information concerning the work performed under this Agreement. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered “voluntary” provided Consultant gives City notice of such court order or subpoena. (b)
If Consultant, or any officer, employee, agent or subcontractor of Consultant, provides any information or work product in violation of this Agreement, then City shall have the right to reimbursement and indemnity from Consultant for any damages, costs and fees, including attorneys fees, caused by or incurred as a result of Consultant’s conduct. (c)
Consultant shall promptly notify City should Consultant, its officers, employees, agents or subcontractors be served with any summons, complaint, subpoena, notice of deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions or other discovery request, court order or subpoena from any party regarding this Agreement and the work performed there under. City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant or be present at any deposition, hearing or similar proceeding. Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with City and to provide City with the opportunity to review any response to discovery requests provided by Consultant. However, this right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by City to control, direct, or rewrite said response.
(d)
ARTICLE 7. ENFORCEMENT OF AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION
California Law. 7.1
This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed both as to validity and to performance of the parties in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Legal actions concerning any dispute, claim or matter arising out of or in relation to this Agreement shall be instituted in the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, or any other appropriate court in such county, and Consultant covenants and agrees to submit to the personal -12-01007.0001/857206.2
jurisdiction of such court in the event of such action. In the event of litigation in a U.S. District Court, venue shall lie exclusively in the Central District of California, in the County of Los Angeles, State of California.

Disputes; Default.7.2
In the event that Consultant is in default under the terms of this Agreement, the City shall not have any obligation or duty to continue compensating Consultant for any work performed after the date of default. Instead, the City may give notice to Consultant of the default and the reasons for the default. The notice shall include the timeframe in which Consultant may cure the default.

This timeframe is presumptively thirty (30) days, but may be extended, though not reduced, if circumstances warrant. During the period of time that Consultant is in default, the City shall hold all invoices and shall, when the default is cured, proceed with payment on the invoices. In the alternative, the City may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay some or all of the outstanding invoices during the period of default. If Consultant does not cure the default, the City may take necessary steps to terminate this Agreement under this Article. Any failure on the part of the City to give notice of the Consultant’s default shall not be deemed to result in a waiver of the City’s legal rights or any rights arising out of any provision of this Agreement.

7.3 Retention of Funds.

Consultant hereby authorizes City to deduct from any amount payable to Consultant (whether or not arising out of this Agreement) (i) any amounts the payment of which may be in dispute hereunder or which are necessary to compensate City for any losses, costs, liabilities, or damages suffered by City, and (ii) all amounts for which City may be liable to third parties, by reason of Consultant’s acts or omissions in performing or failing to perform Consultant’s obligation under this Agreement. In the event that any claim is made by a third party, the amount or validity of which is disputed by Consultant, or any indebtedness shall exist which shall appear to be the basis for a claim of lien, City may withhold from any payment due, without liability for interest because of such withholding, an amount sufficient to cover such claim. The failure of City to exercise such right to deduct or to withhold shall not, however, affect the obligations of the Consultant to insure, indemnify, and protect City as elsewhere provided herein.

Waiver.7.4
Waiver by any party to this Agreement of any term, condition, or covenant of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition, or covenant. Waiver by any party of any breach of the provisions of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other provision or a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement.

Acceptance by City of any work or services by Consultant shall not constitute a waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement. No delay or omission in the exercise of any right or remedy by a non-defaulting party on any default shall impair such right or remedy or be construed as a waiver.

Any waiver by either party of any default must be in writing and shall not be a waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other provision of this Agreement. -13-01007.0001/857206.2
Rights and Remedies are Cumulative. 7.5
Except with respect to rights and remedies expressly declared to be exclusive in this Agreement, the rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and the exercise by either party of one or more of such rights or remedies shall not preclude the exercise by it, at the same or different times, of any other rights or remedies for the same default or any other default by the other party.

Legal Action. 7.6
In addition to any other rights or remedies, either party may take legal action, in law or in equity, to cure, correct or remedy any default, to recover damages for any default, to compel specific performance of this Agreement, to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief, or to obtain any other remedy consistent with the purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, Consultant shall file a statutory claim pursuant to Government Code Sections 905 et. seq. and 910 et. seq., in order to pursue a legal action under this Agreement.

Termination Prior to Expiration of Term.7.7
This Section shall govern any termination of this Contract except as specifically provided in the following Section for termination for cause. The City reserves the right to terminate this Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Consultant, except that where termination is due to the fault of the Consultant, the period of notice may be such shorter time as may be determined by the Contract Officer. In addition, the Consultant reserves the right to terminate this Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to City, except that where termination is due to the fault of the City, the period of notice may be such shorter time as the Consultant may determine. Upon receipt of any notice of termination, Consultant shall immediately cease all services hereunder except such as may be specifically approved by the Contract Officer. Except where the Consultant has initiated termination, the Consultant shall be entitled to compensation for all services rendered prior to the effective date of the notice of termination and for any services authorized by the Contract Officer thereafter in accordance with the Schedule of Compensation or such as may be approved by the Contract Officer, except as provided in Section 7.3. In the event the Consultant has initiated termination, the Consultant shall be entitled to compensation only for the reasonable value of the work product actually produced hereunder. In the event of termination without cause pursuant to this Section, the terminating party need not provide the non-terminating party with the opportunity to cure pursuant to Section 7.2.

Termination for Default of Consultant. 7.8
If termination is due to the failure of the Consultant to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, City may, after compliance with the provisions of Section 7.2, take over the work and prosecute the same to completion by contract or otherwise, and the Consultant shall be liable to the extent that the total cost for completion of the services required hereunder exceeds the compensation herein stipulated (provided that the City shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate such damages), and City may withhold any payments to the Consultant for the purpose of set-off or partial payment of the amounts owed the City as previously stated. -14-01007.0001/857206.2

7.9 Attorneys’ Fees.

If either party to this Agreement is required to initiate or defend or made a party to any action or proceeding in any way connected with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief which may be granted, whether legal or equitable, shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees. Attorney’s fees shall include attorney’s fees on any appeal, and in addition a party entitled to attorney’s fees shall be entitled to all other reasonable costs for investigating such action, taking depositions and discovery and all other necessary costs the court allows which are incurred in such litigation. All such fees shall be deemed to have accrued on commencement of such action and shall be enforceable whether or not such action is prosecuted to judgment.

ARTICLE 8. CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES: NON-DISCRIMINATION Non-liability of City Officers and Employees. 8.1
No officer or employee of the City shall be personally liable to the Consultant, or any successor in interest, in the event of any default or breach by the City or for any amount which may become due to the Consultant or to its successor, or for breach of any obligation of the terms of this Agreement.

Conflict of Interest.8.2
Consultant covenants that neither it, nor any officer or principal of its firm, has or shall acquire any interest, directly or indirectly, which would conflict in any manner with the interests of City or which would in any way hinder Consultant’s performance of services under this Agreement. Consultant further covenants that in the performance of this Agreement, no person having any such interest shall be employed by it as an officer, employee, agent or subcontractor without the express written consent of the Contract Officer. Consultant agrees to at all times avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of any conflicts of interest with the interests of City in the performance of this Agreement.

No officer or employee of the City shall have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement nor shall any such officer or employee participate in any decision relating to the Agreement which affects her/his financial interest or the financial interest of any corporation, partnership or association in which (s)he is, directly or indirectly, interested, in violation of any State statute or regulation. The Consultant warrants that it has not paid or given and will not pay or give any third party any money or other consideration for obtaining this Agreement.

Covenant Against Discrimination.8.3
Consultant covenants that, by and for itself, its heirs, executors, assigns, and all persons claiming under or through them, that there shall be no discrimination against or segregation of, any person or group of persons on account of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry or other protected class in the performance of this Agreement. Consultant shall take affirmative action to insure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry or other protected class. -15-01007.0001/857206.2
Unauthorized Aliens.8.4
Consultant hereby promises and agrees to comply with all of the provisions of the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.A. §§ 1101, et seq., as amended, and in connection therewith, shall not employ unauthorized aliens as defined therein. Should Consultant so employ such unauthorized aliens for the performance of work and/or services covered by this Agreement, and should any liability or sanctions be imposed against City for such use of unauthorized aliens, Consultant hereby agrees to and shall reimburse City for the cost of all such liabilities or sanctions imposed, together with any and all costs, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by City.

ARTICLE 9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Notices.9.1
Any notice, demand, request, document, consent, approval, or communication either party desires or is required to give to the other party or any other person shall be in writing and either served personally or sent by prepaid, first-class mail, in the case of the City, to the City Manager and to the attention of the Contract Officer (with her/his name and City title), City of Carson, 701 East Carson, Carson, California 90745 and in the case of the Consultant, to the person(s) at the address designated on the execution page of this Agreement. Either party may change its address by notifying the other party of the change of address in writing. Notice shall be deemed communicated at the time personally delivered or in seventy-two (72) hours from the time of mailing if mailed as provided in this Section.

Interpretation. 9.2
The terms of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the meaning of the language used and shall not be construed for or against either party by reason of the authorship of this Agreement or any other rule of construction which might otherwise apply.

9.3 Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, whether the signatures are originals, electronic, facsimiles or digital. All such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement.

Integration: Amendment. 9.4
This Agreement including the attachments hereto is the entire, complete and exclusive expression of the understanding of the parties. It is understood that there are no oral agreements between the parties hereto affecting this Agreement and this Agreement supersedes and cancels any and all previous negotiations, arrangements, agreements and understandings, if any, between the parties, and none shall be used to interpret this Agreement. No amendment to or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and approved by the Consultant and by the City Council. The parties agree that this requirement for written modifications cannot be waived and that any attempted waiver shall be void.
-16-01007.0001/857206.2
Severability.

In the event that any one or more of the phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections contained in this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable by a valid judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections of this Agreement which are hereby declared as severable and shall be interpreted to carry out the intent of the parties hereunder unless the invalid provision is so material that its invalidity deprives either party of the basic benefit of their bargain or renders this Agreement meaningless.

Warranty & Representation of Non-Collusion.

No official, officer, or employee of City has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement, nor shall any official, officer, or employee of City participate in any decision relating to this Agreement which may affect his/her financial interest or the financial interest of any corporation, partnership, or association in which (s)he is directly or indirectly interested, or in violation of any corporation, partnership, or association in which (s)he is directly or indirectly interested, or in violation of any State or municipal statute or regulation. The determination of “financial interest” shall be consistent with State law and shall not include interests found to be “remote” or “non-interests” pursuant to Government Code Sections 1091 or 1091.5. Consultant warrants and represents that it has not paid or given, and will not pay or give, to any third party including, but not limited to, any City official, officer, or employee, any money, consideration, or other thing of value as a result or consequence of obtaining or being awarded any agreement.

Consultant further warrants and represents that (s)he/it has not engaged in any act(s), omission(s), or other conduct or collusion that would result in the payment of any money, consideration, or other thing of value to any third party including, but not limited to, any City official, officer, or employee, as a result of consequence of obtaining or being awarded any agreement. Consultant is aware of and understands that any such act(s), omission(s) or other conduct resulting in such payment of money, consideration, or other thing of value will render this Agreement void and of no force or effect.

9.5 9.6
Consultant’s Authorized Initials'

9.7 Corporate Authority.

The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties hereto warrant that (i) such party is duly organized and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this Agreement, such party is formally bound to the provisions of this Agreement, and (iv) the entering into this Agreement does not violate any provision of any other Agreement to which said party is bound. This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties. [SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
-17-01007.0001/857206.2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date and year first-above written.

CITY:

CI'TY OF CARSON, a municipal corporation
a Davis-Holmes, Mayor
ATTEST:
m3
$O OJ
Dr. Khaleah K. Bradshaw, City Clei
.6% iAPPROVED AS TO FORM:

ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
y
Sunny K. Soltani, City Attorney
[brj]
CONSULTANT:

RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC.,
corporation
a California
By:

Name: Larry P.[F
Title: PrefTderlt
By:
ry Mueting \
irate Secretai
Name:

Title:

Address
01 JJ&91 Carnr
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
listrano
Two corporate officer signatures required when Consultant is a corporation, with one signature required from each of the following groups: 1) Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President; and 2) Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. CONSULTANT’S SIGNATURES

SHALL BE DULY NOTARIZED, AND APPROPRIATE ATTESTATIONS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS

MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, OR OTHER RULES OR REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CONSULTANT’S BUSINESS ENTITY. -18-01007 0001/857206.2

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A notary public or other officer completing this
certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is
attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or
validity of that document.___________________
State of California
County of_____
15,
V )
Ammda no^a\u\ PuMit/On before me,
(insert name and title* of the officer)
personally appeared_____
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal. i

AMANDA JOY MEYER
Notary Public - California
Orange County
Commission* 237600!
My Comm. Expires Sep 23, 202*
n r*
Signature ^ (Seal)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A notary public or other officer completing this
certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is
attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or
validity of that document.

State of California
County of_____Qxam|
\e>,
)
Amanda W\mU, IvloWq public
(insert name ancWitle of the officer^
On before me
personally appeared '-tJkC/V\CIYU
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to D<e the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Wj®. AMANOAJOV MEYER
■jgBS Notary Public • California
dSA/ , Orange County
ffi/ Commission H 23760CJ
Comm. Expires Sep 23. 2025
WSignature (Seal)
EXHIBIT “A”

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Consultant will perform the following Services:

General: Provide Professional Landscape Architectural, Architectural, Environmental, and Engineering Services to design and implement the expansion and improvements to Carriage Crest Park located in the City of Carson on the north east comer of West Sepulveda Boulevard and S. Figueroa Street (the “park”). The park improvements, per the City’s current concept plan as of the date of this Agreement, will include the following:

I.

A.

Park monument sign1.

Small and large dog park with fencing2.

Pre-fabricated restroom at the dog park3.

Shaded exercise stations4.

One 275’ ballfield with 60’, 70’ & 90’ bases and fencing5.

Two 200’ ballfields with 60’ bases and fencing6.

Scoreboards for three ballfields7.

Two natural turf soccer fields with synthetic turf option8. 3’ high fencing along Sepulveda Boulevard9.

All-abilities playground10.

Renovation of the existing park building11.

Decomposed granite walking path 12.

Covered trash enclosure13.

Parking lots 14.

Multi-Use fenced hard court 15.

Pre-fabricated concession and restroom building16.

Two picnic shelters 17.

Turf volleyball area18.

Concrete walkways 19.

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Low water use landscape to attract birds and butterflies20.

Efficient irrigation system21.

All park elements are to be lighted22.

Site furnishings throughout the park23.

Consultant’s design services will, without limitation: (i) address potential impacts of park development on nearby residences; (ii) evaluate grading options (balanced site vs. export); (iii) provide restroom / concessions support amenities for Little League and sporting events; (iv) incorporate new design elements that create a contiguous park experience for residents and visitors; (v) modernize a 5-acre community park that will serve the City for decades to come; and (vi) update improvements to current ADA standards.

The Phases and Tasks for performance of the services will be as follows: B.

Phase A - Project Familiarization and Pre-Desien. To start, Consultant will perform Tasks 1 through 3 (below) simultaneously as a part of the pre-design tasks that familiarizes Consultant’s design team with the project parameters and conditions.

Task 1: Project Management1.

To get the process started, Consultant’s design team will conduct a virtual kick-off meeting with City staff to review project background, project goals and objectives, project scope of work, itemizing critical and high priorities, construction budget, and review of available documents. In general, Consultant anticipates the City will provide all available utility maps, irrigation as-builts and tree survey information, if available. At this kick­ off meeting, Consultant will also establish communication protocols, for coordination and reporting of information back to the City, subject to the requirements of this Agreement.

Consultant will coordinate with the City to schedule progress and coordination meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and prepare meeting minutes after their conclusion, subject to the requirements of this Agreement.

Task 2: Data Gathering and Analysis2.

After becoming acquainted with City staff and their intended goals for the project, Consultant will conduct an existing facilities / inventory of the site and the assemblage of background information. Subsequent design decisions will be based on this information as available. Consultant’s team will conduct a visual field investigation to photo document existing conditions including sun patterns and orientation, vehicular and pedestrian A-201007.0001/857206.2
access and circulation, fire access, drainage, topography, security, and physical limitations/extemal influences. Consultant will then review local codes and standards applicable to site development, as well as a thorough review of Los Angeles County Board of Health standards in relation to the concession stand food service.

Task 3: Site Investigations3.

During this preliminary phase, Consultant’s design team will also begin work on the items needed prior to the preparation of the conceptual design, which work will include the following elements:
(1) Topographical Survey - Preparation of base map using new survey information to show existing conditions, to include edge of parking lot for accessible parking spaces, path of travel, above ground utilities, trees, and vegetation.
(2) Geotechnical Soils Report and Soil Infiltration Tests - Prepare Geotechnical soil infiltration tests for the viability of storm water treatment with infiltration best management practices. A formal geotechnical report will include a summary of subsurface conditions, a description of the general geology of the site and geologic constraints that could have an effect on development, and engineering design considerations including seismic design parameters and recommendations for appropriate foundation design.

Agronomic Soil Analysis - Specifically for sports fields to provide prescriptive soil management practices to support active play by local sports leagues, but also for landscape areas to ensure soil is viable to support plant material and identify any required amendments.
(3)
Phase B - Conceptual Desisn/Asency Coordination. Continuing the development process, Consultant will conduct Tasks 4 through 6 concurrently in order to properly conceptualize the potential of the site with the limitations imposed outside agency jurisdictions as well as easement and right-of-way restrictions on the site.

Task 4: Preliminary Design4.

Based upon information garnered from City staff and an evaluation of the previously prepared park concept plan, Consultant shall prepare a preliminary conceptual plan at an appropriate scale showing spatial relationships for each potential feature/element. These plans will illustrate the adjacent relationships of the site elements, parking considerations, and the continuity of the park site as a whole. Consultant will meet with City staff to review the preliminary conceptual plan and incorporate staff comments in a refinement of the preliminary design. With City approval of the preliminary conceptual plan, Consultant will develop a revised conceptual plan to accommodate outstanding City comments. At this time, Consultant will commence the development of a comprehensive 3D model A-301007.0001/857206.2
in order to develop the requested renderings of the various proposed park elements, including specific areas like the dog park areas and ballfield complex, as well as renderings of the new architectural features and play areas. Additional items to be included as part of the preliminary design phase will involve the lighting analysis using photometries of the proposed light fixtures in order to provide sufficient light levels for safety and security. During this time, Consultant will develop a preliminary plant list identifying the landscape material to be used with representative images on a photo board for review and approval. The resulting plans and exhibits will provide illustratives for the project site to be shared with the community at two City Council meetings, and be used as the basis for the development of the itemized construction cost estimate. Consultant will meet with City staff to review revised conceptual plan and prepare for sharing this information with the community in the following tasks.

Task 5: Property, Easement and Right-of-Way Support5.

As a preliminary step before solidifying the intent of the conceptual design, Consultant’s design team will thoroughly review the property boundaries, agency easements and other jurisdictional requirements of the design process. This measure will ensure that Consultant clearly identifies the developable area of the park site while evaluating the restrictions of development within said easements. Consultant shall prepare legal descriptions and plats for all required easements in accordance with City guidelines. All documentation necessary for vacation of public right-of-way (ROW) and merging City parcels shall be provided as directed by the City Engineer.

Task 6: Jurisdictional Coordination. As indicated in the easement phase support, Consultant’s design team will engage with the local utility agencies for the site to assess the power supply with Southern California Edison (SCE) to provide the necessary amperage to power the requested sports field lighting in addition to the safety lighting located throughout the park to provide security and visibility to park visitors. Similarly, the design team will work with the Dominguez District of California Water Service (CWS) to research the availability of reclaimed water usage for landscape irrigation and the connections for potable water for the various facilities programmed throughout the site.

6. Phase C - Construction Document Development. With approval from City Council on the conceptual park plan, Consultant can begin the development of the construction documents. Once again, Consultant will work on several itemized tasks simultaneously in order to be time efficient.

Tasks 7 & 8: SCE and CWS Plans of Service.7.

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After making connections with the local utility agencies in Consultant’s early task of Jurisdictional Coordination, Consultant will establish intended plans of service for both water and power. Using its preliminary research to establish its power and water requirements, Consultant can prepare a utility plan that clearly outlines the infrastructure location and routes to the amenity connections. These plans will be folded into Consultant’s complete construction set used for contractor bidding.

Task 9: Final Design and Contract Documents. The key component of the entire project are the contract documents including the construction plans, details, and technical specifications for the improvements. Consultant’s design team will prepare a complete set of construction documents that will include the following plans and details:

8. Demolition Plans
Precise Grading & Drainage Plans and Details
Erosion Control Plans and Details
Construction Plans and Details
Irrigation Plans and Details
Planting Plans and Details
Architectural Plans and Details
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Plans
Structural Plans
Lighting and Electrical Plans
Plans will be prepared at the requested 60%, 90%, and 100% progress intervals, and will be accompanied by technical specifications and an itemized opinion of probable cost. Technical specifications for each of the above disciplines will be incorporated into the project manual. Site work and building construction specifications shall be prepared utilizing the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Greenbook) format. In addition, all civil engineering Precise Grading & Drainage Plans will be accompanied by Water Quality Management Plans/Low Impact Development and hydrology calculations. Equally, the required structural calculations will accompany the corresponding structural details.

Consultant will host meetings at the end of each City review period for the progress submittal increments in order to review all requested revisions and discuss any changes that would improve the overall design.

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Phase D — Engagement & Outreach.

Task 10.1: Targeted Internal Engagement.9.

Consultant will work with the various City departments in a collaborative information sharing workshop to review the development progress in two interdepartmental workshops. These workshops can occur early on in the design development phase and again during the construction document development phase. This close collaboration will allow for discussion of future maintenance scheduling, programming coordination, and constructability of specific plan elements.

Task 10.2: Community Outreach Plan10.

Consultant will employ community outreach in the Conceptual Design phase in order to solicit feedback from the ultimate users of the facility and ascertain the desired amenities and park elements of the neighborhood.

Consultant’s first workshop will provide participants the opportunity to “design” their park using paper cutouts of various park amenities to help the group understand the relationship between various park features as well as the space each of the facilities requires to operate safely. After this initial workshop, Consultant will catalog all of the designs and comments from the community in order to develop a preliminary conceptual design. If two of these preliminary conceptual designs are provided, the second workshop may consist of the community members evaluating and “voting” for their preferred design.

Alternatively, if the City prefers, Consultant will work with City staff to host a workshop where the community can participate in a design review of the project. Community members can learn about the history of the project, proposed improvements, as well as share their feedback. At the end of the workshop, Consultant will summarize the community information for City.

Phase E - Bidding & Construction Observation
Bidding Procedures. Consultant shall assist the City with the Bidding Phase of the project. Questions, clarifications or conflicts arising out of the bidding process will be resolved by addenda prepared by Consultant. Addenda to the contract for construction shall be prepared in writing to document any clarification or modification made to the contract documents. In addition, Consultant shall attend a pre-bid conference and assist the City in reviewing the bid submittals.

A.

Construction Observation. Based on current market conditions within the construction industry and construction management availability, Consultant recommends the City contract with a construction manager at the time of bidding. This will allow for competitive bidding based on current construction availability and rates. Consultant’s proposal has identified an B.

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allowance to be held in reserve by the City for contracting these services.

At the time of bidding, Consultant will introduce construction management firms the City may want to contract with.

During the Construction Phase of the project, Consultant shall provide the following services, unless modifications are approved by the City based on City’s involvement/coordination with a construction manager:

Pre-Construction Conference. A pre-construction conference shall be organized and conducted to brief all parties concerned with general and special requirements of the contract for construction. Procedural matters, routing of information, and project representatives shall be defined.

Attendees shall include representatives from the City staff, Consultant, the contractor, and all major subcontractors.

1. Job Site Meetings. Job site meetings shall be scheduled and conducted by the Consultant for the same day and time through the duration of the project.

Scheduling, coordination, requests for information, and changes to the contract for construction are routinely monitored. Consultant shall publish and distribute a field report for each job site meeting, documenting the progress of construction and specifically noting current and delinquent action items.

2. Submittal and Shop Drawing Review. Consultant shall review required shop drawings, RFI responses, and related submittals as defined by the contract documents.

3. Project Close Out. At the completion of the Construction Phase, a final job site meeting and review of the entire facility shall be conducted by Consultant. A final punch list will be published and distributed by the Consultant to all parties concerned, specifically noting required corrections, non-conforming work, and work remaining to be completed. A second walk-through shall be conducted when all punch list items have been corrected, at which time a Final Notice of Completion shall be filed by the City.

4. Record Drawings. Consultant will review contractor-submitted Record Drawings for contract conformance and completeness based upon field observations made during the construction observation/administration task and the original contract documents. Consultant shall not be held responsible for inaccuracies of the contractor-provided record drawings.

Any site visits required to verify information contained on the contractor’s as-built drawings will be provided on an hourly basis.

5. As part of the Services, Consultant will prepare and deliver the following tangible work products to the City (deliverables):

II.

Phase A: A.

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Data Gathering & Site Analysis - Site Analysis Plan; Opportunities and Constraints Map; Photo Inventory of Existing Conditions.

Site Investigations - Topographic Base Map; Geotechnical Report with Infiltration Analysis; Agronomic Soil Analysis Report with Recommendations.

1. 2.

Phase B:B.

Conceptual Park Design and Conceptual Park Design Refinement 1.

Color Renderings of Proposed Park Elements from 3D Model Color Renderings of Proposed Architectural Improvements and Play Areas

2. 3.

Photometric Light Analysis4.

Proposed Plant Material Photo Board 5.

Legal descriptions and plats for all required easements; documentation necessary for vacation of public ROW and merging City parcels.

6. Phase C: C.

SCE Plan of Service 1.

CWS Plan of Service2.

Plans, Technical Specifications and Estimate (PSE) for 60% Progress Submittal.

3. PSE for 90% Progress Submittal4.

5. PSE for 100% Progress Submittal
D. Phase D:

Plans and Graphic Elements to Illustrate the Conceptual Park Plan for Interdepartmental City and Community Workshops

1. Phase E: E.

Review of required shop drawings, RFI responses, and related submittals as defined by the contract documents

1. Project close out punch list2.

Review of record drawings3.

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In addition to the requirements of Section 6.2, during performance of the Services, Consultant will keep the City apprised of the status of performance by delivering the following status reports:

III.

Phase E - Field report for each job site meeting.A.

As part of the Services, Consultant will conduct or participate in (as applicable) the following meetings:

IV.

Phase A:A.

Virtual kick-off meeting with City staff1.

Progress and coordination meetings2.

Field investigation3.

Phase B: B.

Meeting with City staff to discuss refinements to Preliminary Design1.

Additional Meeting with City staff to gain Approval of Preliminary Design to move forward into Construction Document Development

2. City Council Meeting Presentations of Conceptual Park Design & Park Elements.

3. C. Phase C:

Meeting with City staff to discuss refinements to 60% Progress Plans 1.

Meeting with City staff to discuss refinements to 90% Progress Plans2.

Meeting with City staff to discuss refinements to 100% Progress Plans3.

Final Meeting with City staff to gain Approval of Final Design Documents4.

Phase D: D.

Two Interdepartmental City Workshops1.

Two Community Workshops2.

Phase E: E.

Pre-Construction conference 1.

Job site meetings - 242.

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Final job site meeting, review of facility, and second walk-through for project close out

3. All work product is subject to review and acceptance by the City, and must be revised by the Consultant without additional charge to the City until found satisfactory and accepted by City.

V.

Consultant will utilize the following personnel to accomplish the Services:VI.

Zachary Mueting, Principal A.

Andrew Steen, Project Landscape Architect B.

David Dzwilewski, Sports Field Consultant C.

RM Architecture, Rubio Medina - Approved Subconsultant, ArchitectureD. civTEC, Tom Careelli - Approved Subconsultant, Civil Engineering E.

FBA Engineering, Bill Zavrsnick - Approved Subconsultant, Electrical Engineering
F.

Glasir Design, Chris Curry (SBE Certification Pending) - Approved Subconsultant, Irrigation Design
G.

GMU Geotechnical, Inc., Greg Silver
Geotechnical/Structural Engineering
Approved Subconsultant,H.

RGI Utility Consultants, Robert Gregory - Approved Subconsultant, UtilitiesI.

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EXHIBIT “B”

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
(Superseding Contract Boilerplate)
(additions shown in bold italics, deletions in strikethrough) Section 1.1 (Scope of Services) fa amended to read in its entirety as follows:I.

Scope of Services.1.1
In compliance with all terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide those services specified in the “Scope of Services” attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this reference, which may be referred to herein as the “services” or “work” hereunder. As a material inducement to the City entering into this Agreement, Consultant represents and warrants that it has the qualifications, experience, and facilities necessary to properly perform the services required under this Agreement in a thorough, competent, and professional manner, and is experienced in performing the work and services contemplated herein. Consultant shall at all times faithfully, competently and to the best of its ability, experience and talent, perform all services described herein.

Consultant covenants that it shall follow the highest professional standards in performing the work and services required hereunder and that all materials will be both of good quality as well as fit for the purpose intended. For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “highest professional standards” shall mean those standards of practice recognized by one or more first class-firms performing similar work under similar circumstances.” Section 1.3 (Compliance with Law) fa amended to read in its entirety as follows:II.

Compliance with Law. 1.3
“Consultant shall keep itself informed concerning, and shall render all services hereunder in accordance with, all applicable ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules, and regulations of the City and any Federal, State or local governmental entity having jurisdiction in effect at the time service is rendered.”
Section 1.5 (Familiarity with Work) is amended to read in its entirety as follows:III.

Familiarity with Work.1.5
“By executing this Agreement, Consultant represents warrants that Consultant (i) has thoroughly investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed, (ii) has carefully considered how the services should be performed, and (iii) fully understands the facilities, difficulties and restrictions attending performance of the services under this Agreement. If the services involve work upon any site, Consultant represents warrants that Consultant has or will investigate the project site and is or will be fully acquainted with the conditions there existing, prior to commencement of services hereunder. Should the Consultant discover any latent or unknown conditions, which will materially affect the performance of the services hereunder, Consultant shall immediately inform the City of B-l01007.0001/857206.2
such fact and shall not proceed except at Consultant’s risk until written instructions are received from the Contract Officer.”
A new Section 1.10, “Compliance with Labor and Wage Laws,1 the Agreement, to read in its entirety as follows:
is hereby added to IV.

Compliance with Labor and Wage Laws.1.10
Public Work. The Parties acknowledge that the work to be performed under this Agreement is a “public work” as defined in Labor Code Section 1720 and that this Agreement is therefore subject to the requirements of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1720) of the California Labor Code relating to public works contracts and the rules and regulations established by the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) implementing such statutes. The work performed under this Agreement is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. Consultant shall post job site notices, as prescribed by regulation.
(a)
Registration with DIR. Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1, Consultant and all subcontractors must be registered with, and pay an annual fee to, the DIR prior to and during the performance of any work under this Agreement. (b)
Prevailing Wages. Consultant shall pay prevailing wages to the extent required by Labor Code Section 1771. Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1773.2, copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages are on file at City Hall and will be made available to any interested party on request. By initiating any work under this Agreement, Consultant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the DIR determination of the prevailing rate of per diem wages, and Consultant shall post a copy of the same at each job site where work is performed under this Agreement. If this Agreement is subject to the payment of federal prevailing wages under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. § 3141 etseq.), then Consultant shall pay the higher of either the state for federal prevailing wage applicable to each laborer. (c)
Penalty for Failure to Pay Prevailing Wages. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by the provisions of Labor Code Sections 1774 and 1775 concerning the payment of prevailing rates of wages to workers and the penalties for failure to pay prevailing wages.

The Consultant shall, as a penalty to the City, forfeit two hundred dollars ($200) for each calendar day, or portion thereof, for each worker paid less than the prevailing rates as determined by the DIR for the work or craft in which the worker is employed for any public work done pursuant to this Agreement by Consultant or by any subcontractor. (d)
Payroll Records. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by the provisions of Labor Code Section 1776, which requires Consultant and each subcontractor to: keep accurate payroll records and verify such records in writing under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 1776; certify and make such payroll records available for inspection as provided by Section 1776; and inform the City of the location of the records. (e)
(f) Apprentices. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by the provisions of Labor Code Sections 1777.5, 1777.6, and 1777.7.and California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 200 et seq. concerning the employment of apprentices on public works projects.

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Consultant shall be responsible for compliance with these aforementioned Sections for all apprenticeable occupations. Prior to commencing work under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide City with a copy of the information submitted to any applicable apprenticeship program. Within sixty (60) days after concluding work pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant and each of its subcontractors shall submit to the City a verified statement of the journeyman and apprentice hours performed under this Agreement.

Eight-Hour Work Day. Consultant acknowledges that eight (8) hours labor constitutes a legal day’s work. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by Labor Code Section 1810.
(g)
Penalties for Excess Hours. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by the provisions of Labor Code Section 1813 concerning penalties for workers who work excess hours. Consultant shall, as a penalty to the City, forfeit twenty-five dollars ($25) for each worker employed in the performance of this Agreement by Consultant or by any subcontractor for each calendar day during which such worker is required or permitted to work more than eight (8) hours in any one calendar day and forty (40) hours in any one calendar week in violation of the provisions of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Labor Code. Pursuant to Labor Code section 1815, work performed by employees of Consultant in excess of eight (8) hours per day, and forty (40) hours during any one week shall be permitted upon public work upon compensation for all hours worked in excess of 8 hours per day at not less than one and one-half (lYi) times the basic rate of pay. (h)
Workers’ Compensation. California Labor Code Sections 1860 and 3700 provide that every employer will be required to secure the payment of compensation to its employees if it has employees. In accordance with the provisions of California Labor Code Section 1861, Consultant certifies as follows:
(0
“I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self- insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the work of this contract.” Consultant’s Responsibility for Subcontractors. For every subcontractor who will perform work under this Agreement, Consultant shall be responsible for such subcontractor’s compliance with Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1720) of the California Labor Code, and shall make such compliance a requirement in any contract with any subcontractor for work under this Agreement. Consultant shall be required to take all actions necessary to enforce such contractual provisions and ensure subcontractor’s compliance, including without limitation, conducting a review of the certified payroll records of the subcontractor on a periodic basis or upon becoming aware of the failure of the subcontractor to pay his or her workers the specified prevailing rate of wages. Consultant shall diligently take corrective action to halt or rectify any such failure by any subcontractor.”
(D
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V. Section 2.3 (Reimbursable Expenses) is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

Reimbursable Expenses.;2.3
“Compensation may include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for reproduction costs, telephone expenses, and travel expenses approved by the Contract Officer in advance, or actual subcontractor expenses of an approved subcontractor pursuant to Section 4.5, and only if specified in the Schedule of Compensation. The Contract Sum shall include the attendance of Consultant at all project meetings reasonably deemed necessary by the City, and as set forth in the Scope of Services (Exhibit “A”).

Coordination of the performance of the work with City is a critical component of the services. If Consultant is required to attend additional meetings to facilitate such coordination, Consultant shall net be entitled to any additional compensation for attending said meetings at the rates set forth in Exhibit C-l, if such additional services are authorized pursuant to Section 1.8.”
VI. Subsection (c) of Section 5.1 (Insurance Coverages) is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“(c) Automotive Insurance (Form CA 0001 (Ed 1/87) including “any auto” and endorsement CA 0025 or equivalent). A policy of comprehensive automobile liability insurance written on a per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage in an amount not less than $1,000,000. Said policy shall include coverage for owned (if any), non- owned, leased, hired cars and any automobile.”
Section 5.2 (General Insurance Requirements) is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

VII.

General Insurance Requirements.

All of the above policies of insurance shall be primary insurance and shall name the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees and agents as additional insureds and any insurance maintained by City or its officers, employees or agents may apply in excess of, and not contribute with Consultant’s insurance. The insurer is deemed hereof to waive all rights of subrogation and contribution it may have against the City, its officers, employees and agents and their respective insurers. Moreover, the insurance policy must specify that where the primary insured does not satisfy the self-insured retention, any additional insured may satisfy the self-insured retention.

5.2 All of said policies of insurance shall provide that said insurance may not be amended or cancelled by the insurer or any party hereto without providing thirty (30) days prior written notice (or ten (10) days’ notice if cancellation is due to non-payment of premium) by certified mail return receipt requested to the City. In the event any of said policies of insurance are cancelled, the Consultant shall, prior to the cancellation date, submit new evidence of insurance in conformance with Section 5.1 to the Contract Officer.

No work or services under this Agreement shall commence until the Consultant has provided the City with Certificates of Insurance, additional insured endorsement forms or B-401007.0001/857206.2
appropriate insurance binders evidencing the above insurance coverages and said Certificates of Insurance or binders are approved by the City. City reserves the right to inspect complete, certified copies of and endorsements to all required insurance policies at any time. Any failure to comply with the reporting or other provisions of the policies including breaches or warranties shall not affect coverage provided to City.

All certificates shall name the City as additional insured (providing the appropriate endorsement) and shall confonn to the following “cancellation” notice:

CANCELLATION:

SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE

THE EXPIRATION DATED THEREOF, THE ISSUING COMPANY SHALL MAIL THIRTY (30)-DAY ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE (OR TEN[IOJ DAYS’ NOTICE

IF DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF PREMIUM) TO CERTIFICATE HOLDER NAMED HEREIN. A
[to be initialed]
Consultant Initials
City, its respective elected
and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds as respects: liability arising out of activities Consultant performs; products and completed operations of Consultant; premises owned, occupied or used by Consultant; or any automobiles owned, leased, hired or borrowed by Consultant. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to City, and their respective elected and appointed officers, officials, employees or volunteers. Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.

Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by City. At the option of City, either the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self- insured retentions as respects City or its respective elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers or the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, defense expenses and claims. The Consultant agrees that the requirement to provide insurance shall not be construed as limiting in any way the extent to which the Consultant may be held responsible for the payment of damages to any persons or property resulting from the Consultant’s activities or the activities of any person or persons for which the Consultant is otherwise responsible nor shall it limit the Consultant’s indemnification liabilities as provided in Section 5.3.

In the event the Consultant subcontracts any portion of the work in compliance with Section 4.5 of this Agreement, the contract between the Consultant and such subcontractor shall require the subcontractor to maintain the same policies of insurance that the Consultant is required to maintain pursuant to Section 5.1, and such certificates and endorsements shall be provided to City.”
appointed officers, directors, officials, employees, agents B-501007 0001/857206.2
Line items for all other approved reimbursable expenses claimed, with supporting documentation.

C.

Line items for all approved subcontractor labor, supplies, equipment, materials, and travel properly charged to the Services.

D.

The total compensation for the Services shall not exceed $904,455 as provided in Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

IV.

V. The Consultant’s billing rates for additional services not included within the scope of services (which would need to be authorized pursuant to Section 1.8) are attached as Exhibit C-l.

C-201007.0001/857206.2
EXHIBIT C-l
CONSULTANTS’ HOURLY RATES
RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC.
$210 per hour
$180 per hour
Principal Landscape Architect
Associate Landscape Architect
$165jDerhour Landscape Architect
Job Captain / Landscape Designer $150 per hour
$135 per hour CADD Technician / Graphics
$95 per hourClerical

RUBIO MEDINA
$150 per hour Project Architect
Project Manager $135 per hour
$65 per hour
$35 per hour
Drafting
Clerical

CIVTEC (CIVIL ENGINEERING/SURVEY
Principal
Project Manager
$185 per hour
$150 per hour
Project Engineer
Project Surveyor
Design Engineer
$125 per hour
$120 per hour
$100 per hour
Draftperson $75 per hour
Project Assistant
2-Man Survey Crew
$60 per hour
$275 per hour
3-Man Survey Crew $355 per hour

FBA ENGINEERING
$210 per hour Principal / Project Director
V.P. / Senior Associate $160 per hour
$160 per hour Associate / Project Manager
Construction Support $135 per hour
$110 per hour Electrical Designer
CAD / BIM Designer $90 per hour
Technical Typist $50 per hour
GLASIR
On-Sfte Consulting $135 per hour
$110 per hour Irrigation Designer
$110 per hour Plan Check
C-l-101007.0001/857206.2
GMU
$280 per hourPrincipal / Director
Associate Engineer or Geologist
Senior Engineer or Geologist
$255 per hour
$235 per hour
$200 per hour
$180 per hour
$165 per hour
$120 per hour
Project Engineer or Geologist
Senior Staff Engineer or Geologist
Staff Engineer of Geologist
CAD / GIS Design Engineer
Document Preparation and Project Services $105 per hour

RGI UTILITY CONSULTANTS
$225 per hourPrincipal
Senior Project Manager $205 per hour
$185 per hour
$165 per hour
Project Manager
Utility Coordinator
CAD Operator $155 per hour
$135 per hour Administrative Assistant
‘Charges for subconsultant services are billed at cost plus a 15% coordination fee.

Billings for all time and materials and contract extension work shall be In accordance with the level of work performed based on the categories listed above.

Hourly rates will be escalated each August 1st In accordance with any Increase In the Consumer Price Index or other mutually agreed upon cost Index, beginning with August 1, 2023. Provisions for fee escalation pertain to all contract extensions and additional work.

C-l-201007.0001/857206.2
EXHIBIT “D
99 SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
I. Consultant shall perform all services timely in accordance with the following schedule:

CITY of CARSON
PROJECT SCHEDULE JAN FEB MAR MAr JUNAPR JUl AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC I'm'M-R’M’H’H'l'H-l.'H'l.-l'l1! l-H-l-l'I-H-l'H-l-l-H-H-H-M-H'l-i I * ■
Awvd of ContrxT
*™rriu
13 i)
r«as *ropwrr,
r-« t
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set PfOKM Plan o< 5#<w»
f0*up\ ird Coatncx Oocumtf«s
C«>*»*i«woft0KPTOgM*Pg
^tcj:*n i».t ox Connuxtio* O
Cj< —view of <0S Progress P«!
Co —wwoflCOHProtreisPSt
Di
SB
lai
i:i 111111111 ii 11 11 i i T-r:n:rri.Yi u 111 ,i 1111 T~n.Utkll w<Oi Crt j •' Ctw
Note: All dates, timeframes, and deadlines specified in the schedule above (from Consultant’s proposal) shall be deemed adjusted to account for the difference in time between the contemplated date of “Award of Contract referenced in the schedule above (third week of January, 2023) and the actual date of this Agreement.

II. Consultant shall deliver the following tangible work products to the City by the following dates.

Phase A Deliverables - See Section I of this Exhibit '‘D,” above.A.

Phase B Deliverables - See Section I of this Exhibit “D,” above.B.

C. Phase C Deliverables - See Section I of this Exhibit “D,” above.

D. Phase D Deliverables - See Section I of this Exhibit “D,” above.

Phase E Deliverables - See Section I of this Exhibit “D,” aboveE.

The Contract Officer may approve extensions for performance of the services in accordance with Section 3.2.

III.

D-l01007.0001/857206.2
RJMDESI-01 MCCOWANA
/XCORD DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
9/6/2022CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE
THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS

CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. THIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURER(S), AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER.

IMPORTANT: If the certificate holder is an ADDITIONAL INSURED, the pollcy(ies) must have ADDITIONAL INSURED provisions or be endorsed.

If SUBROGATION IS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies may require an endorsement. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorsements).

License # 0E67768 8§HEACT Ali SmithNAME:_______________PRODUCER IOA Insurance Services
4370 La Jolla Village Drive
Suite 600
San Diego, CA 92122
(A/cNNEo, Ext): (619) 788-5795 50206 (A/C, No): (619) 574-6288 E-MAILADDRESS. [email protected]

INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE
insurer a :RLi insurance Company
insurers: Arch insurance Company
INSURER C:

NAIC #
13056
11150INSURED
RJM Design Group, inc.
31591 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

INSURER D

INSURER E

INSURER F
COVERAGES CERTIFICATE NUMBER: REVISION NUMBER:

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS

CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS.

POLICY EFF fMM/DD/YYYY) POLICY EXP (MM/DD/YYYY)INSR ADDL1NSDSUBR

WVDTYPE OF INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER UMITSLTR
A 2,000,000X COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY EACH OCCURRENCE $ a

DAMAGE TO RENTED
PREMISES (Ea occurrence) 1,000,000OCCUR PSB0007263 9/30/2022CLAIMS-MADE Cont Liab/Sev of Int
9/30/2023X X A
10,000X MED EXP (Any one person)
2,000,000PERSONAL & ADV INJURY
4,000,000GEN'L AGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER:

PRO­JECT

GENERAL AGGREGATE
□a 4,000,000POLICY LOC PRODUCTS - COMP/OP AGG
Ded 0i.OTHER:

A COMBINED SINGLE UMIT
(Ea accident
BODILY INJURY (Per person)
1,000,000AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY 1.

PSA0002412 9/30/2022 9/30/2023X XANY AUTO
OWNED

AUTOS ONLY
HIRED

AUTOS ONLY
No Co. Owned Autos

SCHEDULED
AUTOS

NON-OWNED

AUTOS ONLY
BODILY INJURY (Per accident)$
PROPERTY DAMAGE (Per accident)x x A
X
A 1,000,000X X OCCUR

CLAIMS-MADE

UMBRELLA LIAB EACH OCCURRENCE A
PSE0003628 9/30/2022 9/30/2023 1,000,000EXCESS LIAB AAGGREGATE

X DED RETENTIONS

A PER OTH-X STATUTEWORKERS COMPENSATION
AND EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY ER
Y/N PSW0004066 9/30/2022 9/30/2023 1,000,000X
□

ANY PROPRIETOR/PARTNER/EXECUTIVE
OFFICER/MEMBER EXCLUDED? (Mandatory In NH)
If yes, describe under
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS below
E.L. EACH ACCIDENTN/A
1,000,000E.L. DISEASE - EA EMPLOYEE $
1,000,000E.L DISEASE - POUCY UMIT
Prof Liab/CIms Made PAAEP0031105
PAAEP0031105
10/1/2022
10/1/2022
10/1/2023
10/1/2023
Per ClaimB 2,000,000
2,000,000Ded.: $25K Per ClaimB Aggregate
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS/ LOCATIONS/VEHICLES (ACORD101, Additional Remarks Schedule, may be attached if mote space Is tequlted) Re: Landscape Architectural Services
City of Carson, its elected and appointed officers, employees, volunteers and agents are Additional Insured with respect to General and Auto Liability per the attached endorsements as required by written contract. Insurance is Primary and Non-Contributory. Waiver of Subrogation applies to General & Auto Liability and Workers’ Compensation.
30 Days Notice of Cancellation with 10 Days Notice for Non-Payment of Premium in accordance with the policy provisions.

CERTIFICATE HOLDER CANCELLATION

SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE

THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS.