Promenade Tree Town Hall

This was a City of Laguna Beach town hall webinar held on April 21, 2026, focused on the Promenade project and the condition of trees along Forest Avenue. City officials and consulting arborists presented findings that nine eucalyptus trees, including one that recently fell, have compromised root systems due to root barriers and concrete overlays, posing safety risks to workers and the public. Based on two independent arborist reports, the city plans to remove these trees and replant with healthy specimens, primarily eucalyptus and some native species like southern live oak and sycamore. The meeting included extensive public comment expressing concern over tree removal, requests for additional local arborist consultation, and discussion of tree maintenance and replacement strategies. Officials emphasized the urgency due to safety and liability concerns and outlined efforts to improve planting conditions with larger box trees and better soil management. No formal votes were recorded, but the city communicated its decision to proceed with tree removal and replanting as part of the ongoing Promenade construction project.