The City Arborist’s role is a mix between conservation and preservation.  The Arborist is responsible for the long-term care and management of Laguna Beach’s urban forest.  This entails implementing annual tree inspections, maintenance, pruning, removal analysis, and pest management of City-maintained trees.  To maximize the benefits of a healthy urban forest, the City Arborist also utilizes strategic tree planting to expand the City’s urban canopy coverage.  

General Information 

The City Arborist oversees the City's Open Space program and the preservation of valued natural areas. This critical responsibility is achieved in part through strategic partnerships with the Laguna Beach Fire Department,  other state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and organizations aimed at protecting native plant communities. These tasks include but are not limited to risk mitigation through fire hazard reduction, tracking pest outbreaks, monitoring and control of invasive species, habitat restoration, and serving as a resource to residents. 

Stinking Roger Outbreak and Response  

Background

In May 2022 the Public Works Department and relevant stakeholders were notified by California Native Plant Society (CNPS) of a newly identified emergent species in Laguna Beach. Stinking Roger (Osteospermum calendulaceum). This is the first and only recorded observation of this plant occurring in North America, and it has the potential to be a problematic invasive species. The population treated by LCF is approximately 0.7 acres, excluding an additional adjacent population that was treated and surveyed separately by OC Parks. This population is primarily located on the parcel of 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., along the access road to the Laguna Beach Police Department shooting range, east of Poplar Rd. The population also extends across the property boundary shared with OC Parks, along Water Tank Road, and onto Water District property.

Objective Statement

As a result of the outbreak, a Task Force has been established with the following objective statement:

The long-term objective of this working group of diverse regional professionals is to prevent the spread of Osteospermum calendulaceum outside the initial colony area, working towards total and expedient eradication through the free exchange of information, knowledge, experience, ideas, and treatment progress. 

Additional Information and Contact

If you have any questions, please reach out to Matthew Barker, City Arborist for the City of Laguna Beach at (949) 464.6674 or send an email to mbarker@lagunabeachcity.net. Please visit the California Native Plant Society’s Taxon Report for this species.

If you would like more information on invasive plants, in general, please visit the California Invasive Plant Council’s (CAL-IPC) website.

Click here for information on the following:

• Trees on private property
• View preservation
• View restoration
• Tree removal permit information
• Trimming private vegetation
• Heritage Trees

Laguna Beach recently earned a Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the second year in a row! The Growth Award is a companion award to Tree City USA recognition, given to communities that demonstrate advanced levels of arboriculture and community engagement. Major milestones, innovative forestry practices, and public engagement combine to build progressive urban forestry programs that these awards recognize. This demonstrates that our community is committed to caring for our trees, and reinforces the long-standing reputation that Laguna Beach is a regional model for environmental stewardship. Congratulations, Laguna! 

One such innovative forestry practice the Public Works Department recently implemented is called  Root Collar Excavation. This was performed on one of our largest public trees after a seat wall and concrete pad around the base of the tree were removed (see photos below). This hardscape locked in moisture and compacted organic matter against the base of the tree; conditions that proliferate wood decaying fungal growth. The tree’s root flare is very susceptible to attack by these fungi. Decay in this area can spread to other parts of the tree quickly, and weaken the tree’s anchorage which elevates the potential risk of failure.   

Root Collar Excavation involves forcibly removing the soil  and organic material from around the base of the tree using controlled bursts of highly compressed air through a specialized tool called an Air Spade. Once the material has been moved away from this critical root area, arborists are able to inspect for any damage, and begin the process of remediation. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to this tree’s root flare, only a handful of large girdling roots (roots that grows in a circular pattern around the base of tree, gradually “strangling” it) that were removed before any irreparable damage was caused. Lastly, proactive root pruning was performed to encourage a more radial root structure to develop. 

In general, it is always best to have the tree’s root flare even with the grade of its planting area. If it’s too deep, girdling roots or decay may affect the tree’s health. If it’s too shallow, the tree may not establish or anchor itself properly. Mulch around the tree is great, be mindful not to add excess material against the base of the tree, and avoid any hardscape barriers that trap this material against the trunk. It’s always best to consult with an ISA Certified Arborist  by visiting www.TreesAreGood.org!  

Through LAGUNA ROOTS, I will bring you periodic updates on Laguna Beach’s urban forest. Until then, feel free to contact me directly, or use Ask Laguna! to submit a request for many City services, including any of your tree related inquiries!

View Previous Editions of Laguna Roots:

Laguna Roots - Volume No. 1

Laguna Roots - Volume No. 2

Laguna Roots - Volume No. 3

Laguna Roots - Volume No. 4