Changing Street Tree Species Discussion Set for at Upcoming Commission Meet

The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee (UFAC) of Pasadena will review a recommendation to amend the City’s Master Street Tree Plan that would replace Italian Cypress tree with Noble Laurel tree along Fairfield Circle in Council District 7.  The amendment request will not remove any existing, live green trees, but will replant the new species if the amendment is later adopted by City Council. This amendment recommendation is specific to Fairfield Circle only. 

As a separate information item, staff will solicit preliminary comments from UFAC regarding how policies could shape the administration of the City’s Master Street Tree Plan in the future. 

The meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 14 at the 233 W. Mountain Street municipal building, will focus on explaining the structured approach that allows property owners to propose modifications to the city’s urban forest composition.

Pasadena’s Master Street Tree Plan was originally published as the Official  Street Tree List in 1940 and , designates specific tree species to be planted for each street on a block-by-block basis. This careful planning ensures visual consistency while maintaining the distinctive character of each neighborhood.

Currently, the amendment process begins when property owners or a designated street coordinator submit a request to the Department of Public Works. To move forward, the proposal must secure support from more than 50% of property owners on the affected street, either through a petition or individual letters expressing their preferences.

For residents unsure about which species to request, Public Works can schedule educational meetings to discuss suitable options based on the street’s specific conditions. The department provides recommendations while encouraging property owners to identify desirable tree attributes.

After community consensus is reached, the proposal moves through a review process that includes consideration by both the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee and the Design Commission before ultimately reaching the City Council for final approval.

City officials emphasize that approved amendments will only affect future plantings in vacant street tree sites, with existing trees remaining in place regardless of any changes to the plan.

The Master Street Tree Plan amendment process reflects Pasadena’s commitment to maintaining the city’s urban forest, which provides such benefits as enhanced property values, neighborhood identity, improved water quality, reduced temperatures, better air quality, and noise mitigation.