CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #C3
DATE: April 8, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Neema Ghanbari, MS, PE, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDATION TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF THE COMMUNITY-SELECTED
LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE OPTION AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON
PLANTING A LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE AT THE CITY HALL PARKING LOT
SUMMARY
Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 and serves as a global effort to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. The City is preparing to host an Earth Day event on April 22, 2026, to engage the community in environmentally responsible practices and celebrate sustainability initiatives.
During the June 2025 budget review session, the Public Works Department Director and the City Manager introduced a cost-saving concept to transition from the use of the existing 20-foot RGB Christmas tree which costs approximately $18,000-$20,000 annually for removal, installation, and storage with a permanent live tree. This approach was proposed as a long-term strategy to reduce recurring annual expenses associated with installation, removal, storage, and maintenance of an artificial tree while enhancing the City’s sustainability efforts.
In preparation for this initiative, City staff conducted outreach to tree trimming companies and certified arborists currently under contract with the City. These professionals were requested to provide recommendations and proposals for tree species suitable for use as a future Christmas tree. The evaluation criteria included the tree’s ability to support seasonal decorative lighting, compatibility with the surrounding environment, long-term growth potential, and root characteristics that would not negatively impact the recently replaced concrete improvements within the City Hall parking lot.
After careful review of the proposals received, staff identified three (3) tree options that met the City’s requirements. At the direction of the City Manager on January 29, 2026, the City conducted a community engagement effort through its official social media Agenda Item #C3
April 8, 2026
platforms to allow residents to participate in the selection process. The community was invited to vote on their preferred tree option.
Based on the results of the public outreach, the Icee Blue tree received the highest number of votes and emerged as the preferred option among residents. The selected tree is currently estimated to be approximately 13 to 14 feet in height and has the potential to reach a mature height of approximately 22 feet, making it suitable for long-term use as a community Christmas tree.
The planned Earth Day event will include a ceremonial tree planting as a central feature, reinforcing the City’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement. In addition to the planting ceremony, staff is coordinating educational and environmental programming to further support awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds were allocated in the Public Works Department’s Holiday Décor and Setup budget for FY 2025–26. The proposed live tree initiative is expected to generate long-term cost savings by eliminating recurring annual expenses associated with a temporary Christmas tree.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Live Christmas Tree Planting Options with Public Outreach Results Option No. No. of Votes Tree Name Current Height (Ft) Max Height (Ft) Cost Additional Comments 1 106 Icee Blue 13-14 18-22 $10,000 Slow-growing tree, about 6-10 in per year 2 57 Norfolk Pine 18-20 60-70 $19,000 Slow-growing tree, about 1-2 ft per year 3 93 Cedrus Deodara 22-24 80-100 $25,000 Slow-growing tree, about 1-2 ft per year