Memorial Tree Application - Long Beach City Policy

Parks and Public Spaces California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California supports memorial and tribute plantings in many city-owned parks as a way for families and organizations to commemorate people and events. This guide explains who may apply, typical location and species considerations, required approvals, inspection and enforcement pathways, and the practical steps to submit an application to the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine. It summarizes official procedures, the office responsible for decisions, and what applicants should expect about maintenance, duration of recognition, and removal policies where applicable.

Apply early to secure popular planting locations in busy parks.

Overview

The memorial tree program lets individuals or groups request a tree planting or dedication in a Long Beach park subject to site availability, horticultural suitability, and city approvals. Plantings may be conditional on species choice, irrigation capacity, and long-term maintenance plans.

Eligibility & Location

  • Who can apply: individuals, family representatives, nonprofit organizations, and recognized community groups.
  • Location limits: select parks or park zones only; high-use or habitat-sensitive sites may be excluded.
  • Species and size: approved species lists and planting specifications may apply to ensure public safety and infrastructure protection.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Long Beach enforces rules for plantings on city property through the Parks, Recreation & Marine department and related code enforcement authorities. Specific fine amounts, escalation for repeat or continuing offenses, and non-monetary sanctions for unauthorized plantings are not specified on the cited page; see the official program page for current implementing procedures and contact details City memorials and donations[1].

Unauthorized planting on city property may lead to removal and recovery of city costs.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, restoration requirements, and court actions may be used where unauthorized works occur.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Parks, Recreation & Marine and City Code Enforcement are responsible; use the program contact on the official page to report issues.
  • Appeals and review: procedural appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the listed department for appeal deadlines and instructions.

Applications & Forms

The official program page links to any required applications, donation guidelines, and specimen forms; if a specific application name or fee is needed it will be published there City memorials and donations[1]. If the page does not show a downloadable form or fee schedule, the page is the primary contact for current requirements.

Process

  • Pre-application: consult with Parks staff on site suitability and species.
  • Submission: complete required application or donation form and submit to Parks, Recreation & Marine as instructed.
  • Review: city reviews horticultural suitability, maintenance implications, and any required permits.
  • Installation: approved plantings scheduled and installed by city crews or approved contractors under city supervision.

Maintenance & Duration

  • Maintenance responsibility: the city typically maintains trees after establishment; terms vary by program.
  • Duration of recognition: plaques or signage may be subject to removal after a set period; consult the official program page for current policies.

FAQ

How do I apply for a memorial tree?
Contact Parks, Recreation & Marine via the official memorials and donations page and follow the application instructions found there.
Is there a fee?
Any donation or fee schedule will be listed on the official program page; if not listed, contact the department directly for current fees.
Can I request a plaque?
Plaque requests may be permitted subject to city guidelines; specifications and installation approvals are handled through the application process.

How-To

  1. Contact Parks, Recreation & Marine to confirm site eligibility and available species.
  2. Obtain and complete the official memorial tree application or donation form from the city program page.
  3. Submit the application with any required payment or donation and documentation as instructed.
  4. Await city review and written approval; schedule the planting per city directions.
  5. Follow any maintenance or plaque installation rules provided by the city.

Key Takeaways

  • All memorial tree requests require city review for site and species suitability.
  • Use the official Parks program page to find current applications and contact details.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Long Beach memorials, donations and recognition program