Trees - Policy On Installation, Replacement And Care Of Campus Trees

For interpretation of this policy, please contact the responsible department: Facilities Management, (909) 537-5175

The Facilities Management (FM) Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of campus grounds, and cares for trees in accordance with the campus tree care plan. The University adheres to an approved Landscape Master Plan, which sets forth landscaping design standards and planting selections. A Campus Landscape Architect works with Facilities Planning and Management to provide advice regarding landscaping and the selection of trees and plants. 

Species of Trees:

The campus inventory of trees consists of approximately 3,482 trees. Primary species found throughout the campus consists of Palm varieties, Oak varieties, Sycamore, Alder, Pine, and Eucalyptus. CSUSB strives to increase the number of native trees on campus - those found in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. 

The purpose of this policy is to maintain campus trees in a safe, healthy, and attractive condition and to promote their sustained growth while enhancing the park-like setting of the University. 

Existing Trees

Existing trees shall be periodically inspected to identify conditions such as overgrowth, disease, or insect infestation which will adversely affect the health of the trees or present a safety hazard to persons or property. Appropriate measures will be taken to maintain and protect trees, persons, and property. Those measures may include thinning, topping, or removal. Pruning and topping will be conducted under the supervision of a certified arborist in a manner as to reduce foliage to prevent damage from the high winds prevalent on the campus. 

Pruning and topping activities (i.e., for issues that do not present an immediate threat to trees, persons or property), to the extent possible, will be conducted seasonally to avoid impacts to nesting birds. In the event that emergency tree work is required during the nesting season, trees will be surveyed to minimize impacts to nesting birds or active nests. 

Replacement Trees

Trees that are lost due to wind, disease, campus development, etc., will be replaced. Trees may be replaced with a similar species or one which has been identified in the University Landscape Master Plan. Replacement trees may be planted in the same location when practical, or in a different location. Such recommendations will be made based on anticipated growing conditions and the Campus Facilities and Landscape Master Plans, in consultation with Facilities Planning, Design and Construction and the Facilities Planning Committee. The trees replaced shall be consistent with the University Landscape Master Plan. 

Posting on Trees

In the interest of the care of campus trees, posting of any kind is prohibited on campus trees.

Donation of Trees

The campus will accept donations of trees which are compatible with the University Landscape Master Plan. Memorial plaques or monuments are not allowed. The campus Policy on Memorial Designations on Campus specifies procedures related to this issue. Donors should be aware that the trees or plants may suffer wind damage or may need to be relocated to make room for changes in the University Facilities Master Plan.

Questions or concerns related to the "Policy on Installation, Replacement, and Care of Campus Trees" may be directed to the Landscape and Fleet Manager.