Protected Trees

All public trees are protected.  Public trees or street trees are all trees growing within the street right-of-way, on public property such as parks, or city facilities.  In some cases property lines lie several feet behind the sidewalks.  A Tree Permit from the Urban Forestry Section of the Public Works Department is required prior to any work on or within the drip-line of any public/street tree. 

• Locally Native Protected Species Trees

  • Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) 11.5" or more DBH
  • California Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) 11.5" or more DBH
  • Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) 11.5" or more DBH
  • Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) 11.5" or more DBH
  • California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) 11.5" or more DBH
  • Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) 11.5" or more DBH
  • Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) 18" or more DBH

   

Protected Mature Trees

• Any mature tree measuring 15" or more DBH
• Invasive species trees and high water use trees are excluded.

Designated trees can belong to one or more of the three following categories:

Designated Trees

• Any tree designated for protection during review and approval of a development project.

Carbon Sequestration or Environmental Mitigation Trees

• Any tree designated for carbon sequestration and storage and/or environmental mitigation purposes.

Replacement Mitigation Trees

• Any replacement mitigation tree or other tree designated to be planted due to the conditions listed in the ordinance.

Heritage Trees are also protected.  Heritage trees are individual trees of any size or species or historical significance that are deemed as such by City Council.  Property owners may also nominate a tree for Heritage Tree status if it has characteristics that are distinctive.

Trees that are under or near power lines may be protected under Title 8 of PAMC but are also considered to be regulated trees regardless of ownership. The State of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires all utilities in the state to maintain vegetation clearance from their electric conductors and related equipment. The City of Palo Alto, as operator of its own electric utility, must be in compliance with CPUC rules. To comply with these rules and to deliver safe and reliable power to the residents and businesses of Palo Alto, the City has in place a Line Clearing Program. 

Please call (650) 496-5953 if you have questions about City-related tree services.