Tree Protection in Hayward, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Hayward, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Hayward designates Heritage Trees when the City Landscape Architect finds at least two of four criteria under Section 10-15.19: native species, essential wildlife habitat, horticultural significance, or historical or cultural ties to the city. Removing a Heritage Tree in a development project needs approval from the highest review body under the public-benefit test in Section 10-15.23.
Hayward Heritage Tree Protection Rules
Significant RestrictionsHayward, CA Municipal Code Sec. 10-15.19 (Memorial and Heritage Trees)
(2)Heritage Trees Determination. A tree is considered a Heritage Tree when the City Landscape Architect finds at least two (2) of the following criteria are met:a.Native Tree: The tree is a native species of Hayward, as listed in Section 10-15.14.b.Provides Essential Habitat: The tree currently or commonly provides habitat for any state or federally listed endangered or threatened species as id...
Protected Tree Species
Hayward's Tree Preservation Ordinance names 17 native species, from big leaf maple to coast live oak, as Protected Trees once they reach four inches in trunk diameter under Sec. 10-15.14(1). Non-native trees on commercial lots or in residential front yards are protected at eight inches diameter, and street trees, memorial trees, heritage trees and mitigation replacement trees are protected regardless of species or size.
Hayward Protected Tree Species List
Significant RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 10-15.14 (Protected Trees)
SEC. 10-15.14 - PROTECTED TREES. The following trees shall be Protected Trees: (1)Native Trees to the Hayward area of the following species that have a minimum diameter at standard height (DSH) of four (4) inches or greater:a.Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)b.Box elder (Acer negundo)c.California buckeye (Aesculus californica)d.Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii)e.California Black Walnut (Jugl...
Parkway Planting
Hayward requires a written permit from the Landscape Maintenance Manager before anyone plants a tree or shrub in a public street, planting strip, or other public place. The permit must specify the location and species, and only trees from the city's Official Street Tree List qualify. Planting without one violates Municipal Code Section 7-2.57.
Hayward Parkway Street Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA Municipal Code Sec. 7-2.57
SEC. 7-2.57 - PERMISSION TO PLANT STREET TREES. It shall be unlawful for any person to plant or cause to be planted any tree or shrub in or upon any public street or other public place in the City of Hayward without first having obtained a written permit from the Landscape Maintenance Manager. Said permit shall specify the location and species of trees or shrubs to be planted and provide that t...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hayward city rules.
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