Trees

Claremont is a community which recognizes its trees as one of the most valuable public resources. The preservation of our community forest is one of our citizens' highest priorities. It is for this reason that we have enjoyed a long-term partnership with our residents in caring for the City trees.

In keeping with this tradition, Claremont has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines, polices and municipal codes pertaining to all of its City-owned trees. The City's easement is generally ten feet from the face of the curb. Any trees within this easement are considered City-owned trees.

Cooperation between the City and its residents is essential in maintaining a community known for its beautiful tree-lined streets. With this in mind, we have put together some "DOs and DON'Ts" regarding trees:

  • Do - Deep water, on a regular basis, any City tree abutting your property.
  • Do - Protect your City trees from string trimmers, lawn mowers, and similar equipment.
  • Do - Report any City tree in need of attention. Call (909) 399-5431 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411 after hours.
  • Do - Report anyone harming a City tree. Use the phone numbers mentioned above.

Please avoid doing the following:

  • Don't - Trim, prune, or remove a City tree.
  • Don't - Plant a tree in the City's easement.
  • Don't - Affix anything to a City tree or use equipment or chemicals near a tree that might harm it.
  • Don't - Put materials, such as bricks, rocks or concrete, near the base of a City tree, or dig irrigation trenches near it.

If you would like more information about the trees in our City, please contact the Community Services Department at (909) 399-5431 or by email at cdillman@claremontca.gov.

Helping Trees Survive the Drought

Why is it important to water trees?

Claremont is a community known for its beautiful tree-lined streets. Trees improve home values, provide shade and oxygen, and contribute to the character of Claremont. The City has over 25,500 City-owned trees, many over 100 years old. Residents can do their part by adequately watering their trees.

 

What is more important - turf or trees?

Trees must be given top watering priority over your turf. Turf can be replaced in a matter of months, whereas a 20-year-old tree will take 20 years to replace. However, caring for trees requires different watering methods than your turf. Irrigation systems designed to water turf do not sufficiently water your trees.

 

How much water does a tree need?

An old-fashioned hose on a slow drip is one option. Move it around so that the soil is moist under the entire canopy of the tree. Alternatively, a water bag at the base of a small or young tree allows for a quick fill and slow release of water over an extended period of time, which encourages deep watering.

How much water your tree should receive depends on the tree size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch diameter for each watering. Using a hose at medium pressure will take approximately 5 minutes to produce 10 gallons of water. General formula for watering: Tree Diameter x 5 minutes = Total Watering Time.

Small Trees (1-7" diameter) - Water once a week

Medium Trees (8-15" diameter) - three times a month

Large Trees (16+ diameter) - three times a month

 

 

What does a tree under "water stress" look like?

  • Symptoms of water stress can be sudden or may take up to two years to be revealed. Water stress symptoms on tree leaves include wilting, curling at the edges, and yellowing.
  • Deciduous leaves may develop scorch, brown out­side edges, or browning between veins.
  • Evergreen needles may turn yellow, red, or purple. They may also turn brown at the tips of the needles, and browning may progress through the needle to­wards the twig.
  • In continued water stress, leaves may be smaller than normal, drop prematurely, or remain attached to the tree even though they are brown.

 

Besides proper watering, What else can you do?

Besides proper watering, these tree maintenance procedures can significantly increase a tree's chance of surviving through hot summer months:

  • Mulch around trees with 4" of mulch to reduce moisture loss. Pull back mulch 6" form the trunk of the tree.
  • Use wood chips, shredded bark, leaves, or evergreen needles as mulch.
  • Avoid the use of stone or rock near trees as this increases air temperatures and moisture loss.
  • Do not use fertilizers during hot summer months. Salts in fertilizers may burn roots when there isn't sufficient water. Fertilizers may also stimulate top growth resulting in too much leaf area in the plant for the root system to maintain during periods of low soil moisture.

For more information on trees and proper tree care, please contact Community Services at (909) 399-5431.

 

Urban Forest Program Guiding Documents

Helpful Tips and Information

Tree Links

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