Tree Care
City Duties
Parkway trees are owned and maintained by City crews on a regular trimming schedule. Parkway trees are generally located in the area between the sidewalk and the curb of any street. Tree trimming is done to enhance the trees’ health and to make sure sidewalks and streets are clear of safety hazards.
Homeowner Tree Care
Caring for these trees is a community effort. Home and business owners take responsibility by regularly watering the parkway trees in front of their properties. With very young trees, deep watering is best because it encourages roots to grow downward, away from curbs, sidewalks and driveways.
New City trees are planted with plenty of fertilizer to last four to five years. For this reason, home owners should avoid over-fertilizing their parkways, as excess nutrients can burn tree roots. Home owners should also leave a 6 to 8-inch ring of soil at the base of their trees so that the trees won’t have to compete with the lawn for water. This soil buffer also helps keep the nylon strings from weed-eating machines safely away from young trees.
Urban Forestry
The following are common tree varieties planted in the City of Cerritos:
- Aristocrat Pear
- Brisbane Box
- Cajeput
- Canary Island Pine
- Crape Myrtle
- Fern Pine
- Ginkgo
- Golden Rain Tree
- Grecian Laurel
- Holly Oak
- Italian Stone Pine
- Modesto Ash
- Pink Idaho Locust
- Pittosporum
- Purple Leaf Plum
- Sharpleaf Jacaranda
- Small Leaf Tristania
- Southern Magnolia
- Sweet Gum
- Sycamore
For more information on tree care in the City of Cerritos, please contact the Public Works Department at (562) 916-1220.