Call Before You Cut
Trees are invaluable assets that enhance our community in a variety of different ways. From providing much cherished shade on those lazy summer afternoons to being a home for our furry and feathered friends, trees are a significant resource that should be cherished and preserved. Did you know that the municipal code (Chapter 14.18 CMC) restricts the removal of certain species of trees and trees that were planted during the development of property? These protected trees are designated to be either specimen or heritage trees.
What is a Protected Tree? A protected tree is a tree that has been classified by either species to be preserved for enhancement of development. Some protected trees are considered specimen trees by virtue of the size of the tree and the species. Examples of specimen trees are native Oaks, some Cedars, Big Leaf Maples, and the California Buckeye. All are designated to be specimen trees if mature enough to meet the minimum size standards. The following table provides a guideline for minimum size standards that qualify the tree as a specimen:
Specimen Trees
| Species Measurement |
From Natural Grade |
Single-Trunk Diameter/Circumference |
Multi-Trunk Diameter/Circumference |
| California Buckeye |
4-1/2' |
10"/31" |
20" /63" |
| Native Oak |
4-1/2' |
10"/31" |
20"/63" |
| Big Leaf Maple |
4-1/2' |
10"/31" |
20"/63" |
| Deodar Cedar |
4-1/2' |
10"/31" |
20"/63" |
| Blue Atlas Cedar |
4-1/2' |
10"/31" |
20"/63" |
In addition to the trees listed above, other species may also be considered protected trees. If a tree or trees were required to be planted during the development of either commercial or residential property as a condition of approval of the project, they would be considered protected trees. For example, if in the development of a commercial parcel, the City Council required the developer to plant a row of Magnolia trees along the street frontage, these trees are categorized as protected trees and may not be removed.
Are there other protected trees? Yes, heritage trees are also protected from removal. A heritage tree is a tree that has some historical or unique value and significance to the community. Examples of heritage trees are the towering California Fan Palms on Palm Avenue and the majestic Pepper Tree on Pepper Tree Lane. A list of other heritage trees can be obtained from the Planning Department.
Protected trees cannot be removed without a permit issued by the Planning Division. A permit is not required to prune a specimen or heritage tree, but remember pruning more than 25% annually of a protected tree constitutes removal according to the municipal code. Fines and penalties for removing heritage or specimen trees are significant and all property owners are responsible for knowing of the existence of any protected tree on their property. In some instances, protected must be removed due to damage or disease. In this case, a tree removal permit must be obtained from the Planning Department prior to the tree being removed.
What do I do if I see a protected tree being removed? If you see a tree being removed during the week within normal business hours, please call City Hall immediately at 408.777.3200. If the tree is being removed after business hours or on the weekend, please call the Sheriff’s Department at 408.299.2311.
For additional questions concerning protected trees, please contact the Planning Department at 408.777.3308.