FAQs
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Why does Claremont have so many trees?
Why does Claremont have so many trees?
Trees have been a part of Claremont ever since the community was founded in the 1880's. It was only six days after the first town meeting in 1889 that the town's "shade tree committee" reported a gift of 250 trees, which were planted throughout the community shortly thereafter.
Since then, the number of City-owned trees along streets and in parks has grown to over 23,000. And that doesn't include the trees on private property. Trees provide a number of environmental and aesthetic benefits, from helping keep homes cool in the summer to creating visually stunning streetscapes.
Who is responsible for maintaining city trees in front of houses?
Who is responsible for maintaining city trees in front of houses?
Residents are responsible for watering city-owned trees that are along the street in front of their homes. This includes trees that are in the parkway area between the sidewalk and the street. Trees should be "deep watered," that is, watered slowly for an extended period of time. This helps promote deep root growth, which is better for the tree. It can also help reduce damage caused by shallow roots.
Residents SHALL NOT trim, prune, or remove city trees. These tasks are the responsibility of the city.
How do I know if a tree is a city-owned tree?
How do I know if a tree is a city-owned tree?
Any tree located in the public right-of-way is a city tree. The right-of-way typically extends 8 to 10 feet behind the curb, even in those areas where there is no sidewalk. You can call the Community Services Department at (909) 399-5431 if you are unsure about whether there is a city tree in front of your property.
How do I get a tree removed?
How do I get a tree removed?
Requests to remove a city tree are handled by the Community Services department. Not all requests to remove a tree will be honored. The Community Services Commission has established policies governing the removal of city trees. Call Community Services at (909) 399-5431 for more information or to request a removal.
How do I get a tree planted?
How do I get a tree planted?
Property owners are free to plant whatever tree they like on their own property. Click below to view guidelines for selecting and planting a tree.
If you would like the city to consider planting a street tree in front of your home, call Community Services to make a request. Requests will be considered based on current tree policies and available funding.
The street tree in front of my house needs to be pruned. Who should I call?
The street tree in front of my house needs to be pruned. Who should I call?
All street trees in Claremont are on a regular pruning schedule. Depending on the species and age of a street tree, it will be pruned anywhere from once every three to nine years. City trees are pruned according to internationally-accepted pruning guidelines, which are designed to promote the health and safety of each tree. That means Claremont will NEVER "top" a tree, or simply cut off the top part of the limbs.
If you believe a street tree is causing a problem with street lights, power lines, or other structures, call Community Services at (909) 399-5497 to report the problem.
I think a street tree is damaging my sewer line. Who should I call?
I think a street tree is damaging my sewer line. Who should I call?
The city has a claim process for addressing damage caused by city-owned trees. Call the City Clerk at (909) 399-5461 to obtain a claim form and review the claim process.
The street tree in front of my house has damaged the sidewalk. Who should I call?
The street tree in front of my house has damaged the sidewalk. Who should I call?
Repairing sidewalk damage caused by city tree roots is an on-going effort by the city. Call Community Services at (909) 399-5431 to report such damage or to see when a damaged section is set for repair. In some cases, a temporary repair using asphalt may be made until a permanent concrete repair can be done.
