Santa Monica

Home to more than 33,000 street and park trees, the City of Santa Monica is an oasis tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the greater Los Angeles area.

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, 310 days of annual sunshine and an environmentally progressive community, Santa Monica supports a remarkable population of trees.

Although best known for its beach, celebrities and multi-million-dollar estates, Santa Monica’s impressive urban forest – and dedication to managing it well – truly embodies the spirit of the community. In fact, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, the city boasts “the most sophisticated urban forest monitoring program in the state, and possibly anywhere.”

Placing a premium on diversity in its urban forest, Santa Monica takes steps to ensure that no single species comprises more than 10 percent of the forest population.

This provides some protection against invasive insects and diseases, who often cause significant damage in forests dominated by only a few species. Approximately 15 species are common in the city, from the Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia robusta) and Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis) that decorate downtown, to the Jacarandas (Jacarandamimosifolia) and sweetgums (Liquidambar stryaciflua) that provide a charming visual backdrop for the eastern corner of the city.

To ensure a consistent, well-reasoned tree-care strategy, Santa Monica has adopted a long-range master plan for its urban forest.

This plan not only an inventory of the city’s existing street trees, but it identifies species that will be planted when it becomes necessary to remove the existing trees. For example, lacebark elms (Ulmus parvifolia) or Chinese pistache trees (Pistacia chinensis) will replace some of the Indian laurel figs (Ficus macrocarpa) growing along Virginia Ave, while the iconic Mexican fan palms and triangle palms (Dypsis decaryi) along Wilshire Boulevard will be replaced with the same species when the time comes.

The master plan also charges the city of Santa Monica with caring for all trees growing on public property. The plan establishes pruning schedules and imposes a strict tree removal policy, which ensures that trees are only removed when there is a sound reason to do so – such as when they present a safety hazard.

Additionally, the cities commitment to clean air – which led in large part to the increases in canopy cover – and water conservation benefit the trees.

Bio-swales and water reclamation projects help to recharge groundwater supplies, while rebates encourage local residents to swap out water-intensive lawns for drought-tolerant landscapes.

Despite the myriad benefits they provide, Santa Monica’s trees can cause conflict; often, these conflicts pit residents against difficult neighbors or stubborn insurance companies.

Whether you need expert witness testimony, tree appraisal, forensic investigation or help sorting through eminent domain issues, we are here to help. With over 40 years of industry experience, we have what it takes to help Santa Monica businesses and residents resolve their tree-related problems.

Tree Roots

We provide expert witness and consulting services for tree root damage and tree root cutting related issues.

Tree Appraisals

Time and time again, our tree specialist has provided results that have saved over a million dollars in damage

Property Damage

The diverse capabilities of our certified arborists enable our team to meet a variety of property damage cases from trees.

Personal Injury

When personal injuries arise due to tree failures—whether falling limbs or uprooted trunks—expert analysis and testimony can help.

Expert Witness

We provide litigation support and expert witness services on tree damage and landscape damage matters.

Wildfires

We use proven methods to evaluate the cost to repair or replace based on damages, considering many factors.

View Obstruction

For those homeowners who require help restoring their view, or those who need help defending their trees, we can help.

Tree Protection Reports

Our Registered Consulting Arborist and Certified Arborists have experience writing Tree Construction Reports.