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Tree Protection in San Marcos, CA (2026)

2 verified tree protection rules for San Marcos, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Protected Tree Species

San Marcos bans cutting, digging, removing or destroying any yucca, cactus, agave, native tree, flowering shrub, ornamental plant, berry-bearing plant, vine, fern or wild flower on public land or land that isn't yours without a permit from the Agricultural Commissioner, and separately bans selling any such plant taken in violation of the rule.

San Marcos Native Plant Removal Permit Rule

Significant Restrictions

San Marcos Municipal Code § 8.08.050

It shall be unlawful for any person to cut, pick, dig, collect, remove, mutilate or destroy the whole or any part of any species of yucca, cactus or agave, or any native tree, flowering shrub, ornamental plant, berry-bearing plant, vine, fern or wild flower, whether growing on public land or on any land not his own, including County and State roadways and railroad rights-of-way, in the City wit...

Parkway Planting

No one may plant a tree, hedge or shrub in a San Marcos parkway, street or other public property without a written permit and Director-approved species under Chapter 14.20, and removing a public tree carries a one-to-one replacement obligation.

San Marcos Parkway Tree Planting Permit

Significant Restrictions

San Marcos Municipal Code §§ 14.20.050, 14.20.060 (Planting of Trees, Hedges, and Shrubs on Public Property)

14.20.050 - Permit Required. No Person shall plant any tree, hedge, or shrub upon or within any City Highway, public Highway or public property within the City unless authorized in writing to do so by the Director, or as provided in approved plans or permits. 14.20.060 - Application for Permit. Any Person desiring to plant any tree, hedge, or shrub within any public or City Highway shall file a...

Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Marcos city rules.

Tree Protection in San Diego County