Tree Protection in Redwood City, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Redwood City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
The Park and Recreation Commission can designate any Redwood City tree, regardless of size, a protected "heritage tree" under Code Sec. 35.2 if it is healthy, visible from a public right-of-way, and either historically significant, indigenous to the area, or part of a mutually dependent grove.
Redwood City Heritage Tree Designation
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code § 35.2
The Commission may declare any tree, regardless of size, to be a heritage tree under this Chapter if said tree is healthy and has adapted well to the climatic conditions of the area, if said tree is visually accessible from a public right-of-way and if the Commission finds that at least one of the following conditions exist: A.That said tree has historical significance,B.That said tree is indig...
Protected Tree Species
Redwood City's tree ordinance does not list protected species; instead Code Sec. 35.1 protects any woody plant with a single trunk of 38 inches or more in circumference, measured 6 to 36 inches above ground, plus any tree the Park and Recreation Commission designates a heritage tree regardless of size.
Redwood City Which Trees Are Protected
Some RestrictionsRedwood City Code § 35.1
TREE: The word "tree" shall be defined, unless otherwise indicated in this Chapter, as: A.Any woody plant characterized by having a single trunk of a circumference of thirty-eight inches (38″) or more, measured at any point between six inches (6″) and thirty-six inches (36″) above ground level; or B.Any woody plant characterized by having a single trunk which has been found by the Park and Recr...
Parkway Planting
Redwood City requires new buildings, substantial commercial remodels, and sidewalk replacement or repair jobs to plant street trees along the property's street frontage. City Code Sec. 18.241 sets four-square-foot tree wells, grates, and 24-inch box trees spaced every 30 feet, with irrigation required unless the City exempts it in writing.
Redwood City Street Tree Planting Rule
Some RestrictionsRedwood City Code § 18.241
Upon the construction of a new building or the performance of substantial commercial remodeling, or when sidewalks are replaced or repaired, on the street frontage, as required by this Article, four (4) square foot street tree wells shall be dug, grates and frames shall be installed, and twenty-four-inch box trees planted every thirty (30) feet on average for the entire length of street frontag...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Redwood City city rules.
Tree Protection in San Mateo County →