Tree City USA

Tree City USA© is a national recognition program that began in 1976 and is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. By meeting four fundamental standards, an incorporated municipality of any size can qualify. Torrance is proud to be 1 of 164 communities in California to be recognized as a Tree City USA. Torrance reached this status in 2018 and we look forward to maintaining this status in the years to come.

More than 3,557 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA. They have achieved Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: (1) maintaining a tree board or department; (2) having a community tree ordinance; (3) a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; and (4) celebrating Arbor Day.

City of Torrance Standards

Last Recorded Population: 139,224

Number of Years as a Tree City: 6

Last Year Certified as Tree City: 2023

Standard 1 - A Tree Board or Department  

  • Public Works Department/ Streetscape

Standard 2 - A Community Tree Ordinance  

  • Torrance Municipal Code

Standard 3 - A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita                     

  • Community Population
  • Tree Planting and Initial Care
  • Tree Maintenance
  • Tree Removal
  • Management (Tree Inventory)

Standard 4 - An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation  

  •  Arbor Week Proclamation by City Council
  • Tree Planting Event

 

Adopt-A-Tree Program

Trees provide many benefits to the Torrance community.  They: improve aesthetics; provide shade and a cooling effect; improve our health and mental well-being; clean our water and air, and are essential in supporting a healthy environment. Quite simply, trees make our lives better. For more information about trees, visit our Tree Maintenance page.

Public Works manages approximately 37,000 street trees. Throughout the City there are an estimated 7,000 locations in the public right of way that additional street trees could be planted.  Specifically, these locations are within the parkway (area between the curb and sidewalk) of a City street and in center medians. The majority of these locations are in residential neighborhoods.

In an effort to increase the number of street trees and the positive impact of trees, the City of Torrance has established an Adopt-A-Tree program and welcomes donations from the public to allow for the purchase and planting of street trees throughout the City. The average cost for a 15 gallon size tree is between $60.00-$75.00 and a 24” box size tree is between $200.00-$215.00, based on species. Your donation of any amount will exclusively be dedicated to the purchase and planting of street trees throughout the City. To make a donation, please click on below link and select Street Tree Planting. For questions about the Adopt-a-Tree program, please call Public Works at (310) 781-6900.

 

Donate Here

 

 

Tree Planting

The Streetscape Division of Public Works understands that trees are an important part of the community. The Streetscape Division plants an average of 400 trees per year throughout Torrance medians, residential parkways, and major arterials.

If your parkway (the area in front of your residence between the sidewalk and the street) does not have a tree and you would like one planted,  our staff will inspect the parkway and plant a tree if conditions allow. Staff will ensure the proper size and tree species is planted at no cost to homeowner.  When a new tree is planted, staff will leave a notice on your door with the common and botanical name of the new tree as well as its watering needs.

Please understand that the City is limited to the available species at 4 to 5 tree farms. While the majority of our new trees are above average size, occasionally we can only locate smaller stock. Tree sizes can depend upon many factors. (Cold winters, drought, pests, high demand of a species, low supply of a species, slow-growing species requested, etc.) Our in-house Arborists inspect every tree purchased to make sure each tree is in good condition and healthy. With proper watering and care they will grow to be mature healthy trees.   

Some Benefits of Trees

  1. Trees reduce air temperature by blocking sunlight.
  2. Deciduous trees block sunlight in the summer, but allow sunlight in the winter.
  3. Trees shade hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, patios, and outer walls, thus keeping homes cooler.
  4. Trees absorb and block noise and reduce glare.
  5. Trees help settle and trap dust, pollen, and smoke from the air.
  6. Trees create an ecosystem to provide habitat and food for birds and other animals.
  7. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for four people.
  8. Trees help reduce surface water runoff, thus reducing erosion and stabilizing soil.
  9. Trees have been reported as having a positive and peaceful effect on people and create a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
  10. Trees can create lasting impressions on how a community is perceived by visitors and affect the mood and community pride of its residents.



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