Tree Protection in Monterey, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Monterey can designate an outstanding tree a 'Local Landmark Tree' if it meets objective size criteria, oaks at 10 inches and 20 feet, conifers at 12 inches and 30 feet, ornamentals at 10 inches and 15 feet, visible from 100 feet, plus a beauty, size, rarity or historic-interest test.
Monterey Local Landmark Tree Designation
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 37-12(C)
1. Oak trees. a.Ten inch (10") trunk diameter measured at a point four feet, six inches (4'6") above natural grade; b.Twenty feet (20') in height measured from natural grade to the top of the canopy; c.Prominently visible from public streets, public parking areas, parks or open space, from a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100'). ... 2. Conifers. a.Twelve i...
Protected Tree Species
Monterey protects trees by size, not by species: any tree over 2 inches in trunk diameter on a vacant private parcel, or over 6 inches on a developed parcel, measured 4'6" above natural grade, counts as a protected tree and cannot be removed without a City Forester permit.
Monterey Protected Tree Size Thresholds
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 37-2(K)
“Protected Tree” shall mean: a) trees located on a vacant private parcel that are more than two inches (2") in diameter when measured at a point four feet six inches (4'6") above the tree’s natural grade; and, b) trees located on a private, developed parcel that are more than six inches (6") when measured at a point four feet six inches (4'6") above the tree’s natural grade.
Parkway Planting
No one may plant a tree, shrub or other growing material, other than ground cover, in the improved City right-of-way, sidewalk strip or a park without permission from the Park Superintendent, who can set the species, location and maintenance conditions.
Monterey Parkway Tree Planting Permission
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 37-7
No person shall plant, or cause to be planted, any tree, shrub, or other growing material, except ground cover, within the improved City right-of-way/sidewalk area or parks without permission from the Park Superintendent. In granting approval the Park Superintendent may impose reasonable conditions, including continued maintenance by the applicant; may determine the type of plant material used;...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Tree Protection in Monterey County →