by Andrew Alonzo | [email protected]

Claremont lost hundreds of trees in the catastrophic January 2022. So how has the City of Trees recovered?

One of the giant coast live oaks in Memorial Park was lost, as was a historic eucalyptus tree on College Avenue that was said to have been planted by Claremont’s founders. While many mourned their losses and hundreds more, Claremont has made significant strides in reforestation in the two years since.

Wherever you go—along Base Line Road, in Memorial Park, and in neighborhoods across the city—you’ll find towering saplings, some still supported on stakes.

“Trees are very important in our community, as are all the green spaces we have in our city,” said Claremont Mayor Sal Medina. “As far as trees that die, it’s important that trees grow back twice as fast as they die.”

Although it will take years for them to have a significant environmental impact, it was crucial to plant new roots as soon as possible after the storm. Medina said trees would help mitigate noise and pollution and add to the aesthetic of the City of Trees.

In 2022, Claremont removed 827 trees (including an estimated 353 due to the storm) and planted 348 new trees, according to the city’s 2023 semi-annual urban forest report.

“The storm’s massive impact across the city made it difficult to determine exactly how many trees were lost directly related to the storm,” wrote Cari Dillman, director of Claremont Community Services, in an email. “In addition, trees were removed after the storm because they were damaged and compromised in their stability.”

In 2023, the city removed 443 trees and planted 478.

From January to March 2024, the city planted 74 new trees and removed 65, according to data presented during Community and Social Services Commission meetings this year. Data from April to June have not yet been collected.

Although the city’s tree count has been declining since 2013 and is expected to drop from about 27,000 to less than 25,000 in 2023, according to a table in Claremont’s 2023 Urban Forest Update dated May 2024, it appears to be on the rise again recently.

The curb in front of the Claremont Club on Monte Vista Avenue is lined with newly planted seedlings like this Judas tree. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

“The significant decline in tree numbers in 2022 and 2023 is due to the 2022 storm. However, in 2023, the number of tree plantings increased more than the number of trees removed, helping to counteract a significant decline in the urban forest,” the 2023 Urban Forest Update states. “As of April 2024, the urban forest consists of approximately 25,000 trees with a total value of approximately $96 million. Tree value is based on size, location, and species classification.”

For those wondering what tree species will be planted, the City has created a list of approved street tree species for each street in Claremont. According to the 2023 Urban Forest Update, Claremont is home to 300 unique tree species, with 8.4% of crape myrtle, 7.5% of California holm oak, 5.8% of California sycamore, and 4% of jacaranda making up 25.7% of the urban forest.

The Claremont Community Services Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of the city forest, Dillman wrote. This includes all trees on public land and those within rights of way.

Local law requires residents to water trees on public rights-of-way. Dillman added that all new trees will receive a watering bag “as a cost-effective way to responsibly water new trees.”

The City is currently working with contract consultant Dudek to review and revise its policies and guidelines on trees. For information, visit ci.claremont.ca.us and search for “trees.”

Residents who would like a new tree can call Dillman at (909) 399-5431.

The bill for the 2022 storm was about $415,000, including damage, emergency response personnel, recovery efforts and repairs, Medina said. The costs were covered by the city’s reserves and replenished within six months, he added.

“From what I understand, it was a lump sum expense,” Medina said. “Now I’m sure there will be more costs in the future as we find that some trees are still being investigated because … there was unforeseen damage during the storm that is now coming to light. There may be more costs in the future, but these are essentially soft costs that will continue in the day-to-day budget of our city.”