Tree-Planting Group Expands Role

Members of a committee formed several years ago to serve as advocates for trees in Seal Beach have branched out and formed a foundation that seeks to take planting and care to another level.

As part of its mission, the nonprofit Trees for Seal Beach Foundation plans to finance tree-plantings along a section of Ocean Boulevard and other areas by raising funds through private donations and grants.

The foundation hopes to combine with the Tree Committee and show a national tree organization that Seal Beach “cares about trees, has laws about trees and actively educates the public about the values of trees,” said committee member Mario Voce. If they are successful, the city could receive a “Tree City USA” designation from the national group of the same name.

Other plans include working with city planners on the design of curved curbs that would allow for larger trees and street medians on Seal Beach Boulevard where trees could be planted. An ordinance drafted to protect trees will be presented soon to the City Council, Voce said.

Educational efforts include letting the community know that “indiscriminate pruning is not appropriate,” he said. “Trees are not rose bushes.”

“People shouldn’t pay $50 to have someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing come out and hack trees,” he said.

Besides shade and beauty, the reason for planting additional trees is a serious one, Voce said.

“It helps to make up for the trees being decimated worldwide,” he said.

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Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974