Parkway Planting: El Monte vs Long Beach
How do parkway planting rules compare between El Monte, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than El Monte.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
All trees in El Monte parkways, medians, easements, public rights-of-way, parks, and other city-owned property are "public trees" protected as Protected Trees, and any removal or replacement requires a permit and use of the city's recommended tree palette.
View full El Monte rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Parkway strips between sidewalks and curbs in Long Beach are city right-of-way managed by Public Works. Residents must obtain a permit to plant or remove trees in the parkway, and species must come from the approved street tree palette to ensure long-term success and infrastructure compatibility.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required for parkway work | Yes — even routine non-ANSI pruning is subject to fines | - |
| Replacement ratio | 2:1, 36-inch box, 12-ft minimum height, city palette | - |
| City-managed inventory | Over 7,500 public trees | - |
| Emergency removal | Only by El Monte Public Works, EMPD, LA County Fire, or LA County Sheriff | - |
| Fund restriction | In-lieu fees spent only on public ROW, parks, city property | - |
| Owner | - | City right-of-way |
| Permit required | - | Plant remove replace |
| Species list | - | Approved street tree palette |
| Goal | - | Drought tolerance equity |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I plant a tree in the parkway in front of my El Monte house?
Yes, but the species must come from the city's recommended tree palette and be approved by the Economic Development Department per EMMC §14.03.090. Contact the City Arborist before planting.
Can I trim the city tree in front of my home myself?
Only if the pruning fully complies with ANSI A300 Pruning Standards. Topping, lion-tailing, or removing more than 25% of foliage is independently unlawful under EMMC §14.03.030(F) and subject to fines under §14.03.060(B).
A storm damaged my parkway tree — can I remove it?
Only El Monte Public Works staff, the police/sheriff, or LA County Fire may remove a Protected Tree without a permit, and only when there is an immediate hazard, under EMMC §14.03.110. A homeowner should call the city instead.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I plant any tree in my parkway?
No. Parkway trees must come from the city approved palette for compatibility with sidewalks, utilities, and the urban canopy plan.
Will the city water new parkway trees?
Watering responsibility varies. New street trees are typically watered by city crews or contracted watering for an establishment period, then by adjacent residents.
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