Tree Protection in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
7 verified tree protection rules for Los Angeles, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
LAMC Article 6 (Sections 46.00-46.06) requires a permit from the Board of Public Works for removal or relocation of any protected tree or shrub. Protected species include those with 4+ inch cumulative diameter at 4.5 feet. Applications must include a plot plan showing all protected trees. Street tree removal requires separate authorization from StreetsLA.
Los Angeles Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Los Angeles protects four native species – Oak (Quercus), Western Sycamore, Southern California Black Walnut, and California Bay – with a trunk circumference of four feet or more (roughly 15 inches DBH). Removal, relocation, or damage requires a Board of Public Works permit, an arborist report, and 4:1 replacement.
LA Protected Native Tree Ordinance (Oak, Sycamore, Walnut, Bay)
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
When protected tree removal is permitted, LAMC 46.03 requires replacement plantings. Each replacement tree must be at least a 15-gallon specimen, 1+ inch diameter at one foot above base, and 7+ feet tall. The number of replacement trees is determined by the Board of Public Works based on the size and species of the removed tree. Replacement trees must be maintained by the property owner.
Los Angeles Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
The City of Los Angeles protects native trees and shrubs under LAMC Section 46.00 (Protected Tree and Shrub Regulations) and Article 6 of the LAMC. Protected species include native oaks, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, and California Bay trees measuring 4 inches or more in cumulative diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. Removal requires a permit from the Board of Public Works with replacement planting at a 4:1 ratio.
Los Angeles City Protected Tree and Shrub Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
LAMC §17.05 (Native Tree Protection Ordinance) protects native oaks, sycamores, walnuts, and California junipers measuring four inches DBH or larger. Removal requires a Bureau of Street Services permit and a four-to-one replacement ratio, even on private property.
Protected Native Tree Species Removal Permit
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
LAMC §62.169 requires a Bureau of Street Services permit before planting, removing, or replacing any tree in the parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk. Species must come from the City's Designated Street Trees list matched to the block.
Parkway Tree Planting Permit Required
Some RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
LA's urban forest equity program partners with City Plants and LADWP to plant free shade trees in disadvantaged communities, alongside Cool Streets LA reflective pavement. The City targets 50% canopy cover by 2028 in low-canopy neighborhoods.
Urban Forest Equity Cool Streets LA
Few RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Los Angeles city rules.
Tree Protection in Los Angeles County →