Tree Replacement Requirements: Carson vs El Monte
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Carson, CA and El Monte, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than El Monte.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Replacement of parkway trees in Carson is administered by the City Manager / Public Works Division under CMC Article 3 Chapter 9. When a parkway tree is removed — including for utility-line clearance — the City controls whether and how it is replaced, and the species must come from the Authorized List of Carson Trees in the Parkway Tree Master Plan.
View full Carson rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Every Protected Tree removed under permit must be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with 36-inch box trees, or the property owner must pay an in-lieu fee into the Tree Mitigation and Planting Fund.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement authority | Carson Public Works Division (CMC Art. 3 Ch. 9) | - |
| Species restriction | Authorized List of Carson Trees (Parkway Tree Master Plan, Exhibit A) | - |
| Utility-clearance removals | Replacement is at Public Works' discretion | - |
| MWELO trigger | Landscapes ≥500 sq ft new/rehabilitated (CCR Title 23 §490) | - |
| Unauthorized planting | May be removed by City without consent | - |
| Replacement ratio | - | 2:1 — two replacements per removed Protected Tree |
| Replacement size | - | 36-inch box, minimum 12 ft height |
| Species | - | From city's recommended tree palette, approved by Economic Development Dept. |
| In-lieu option | - | Pay into Tree Mitigation and Planting Fund (§14.03.100) |
| Fund use | - | Public rights-of-way, parks, city-owned property only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
If a utility company removes a parkway tree near my house, do I get a replacement?
Carson's Chapter 9 says utility-line-clearance removals are replaced at the discretion of the Public Works Division — there is no automatic 1-for-1 statutory replacement guarantee. Contact Public Works to request a replacement and to confirm the species comes from the Authorized List.
Can I choose what tree goes in the parkway in front of my home?
Choice is limited. The City Manager has authority to designate the species planted in any parkway, and all plantings must conform to the Authorized List of Carson Trees in the Parkway Tree Master Plan (Exhibit A to Chapter 9). You must apply for a planting permit from Public Works first.
El Monte FAQ
How many trees do I have to plant if I remove one Protected Tree?
Two 36-inch box trees, each at least 12 feet tall, from the city's approved palette per EMMC §14.03.090.
What if my lot has no room for two replacement trees?
You may pay an in-lieu fee into El Monte's Tree Mitigation and Planting Fund under EMMC §14.03.100. The fee amount is set by City Council resolution per §14.03.130.
Can I pick any species for the replacement?
No. Replacements must come from the city's recommended tree palette and be approved by the Economic Development Department under EMMC §14.03.090.
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