Tree Protection in Temecula, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Temecula, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Temecula automatically protects five named native species, oak, California sycamore, bay laurel, black walnut and toyon, once their trunk reaches twelve inches in diameter, plus any other tree over twenty-four inches, under Municipal Code § 8.48.160. Removing, damaging or encroaching on a Protected Tree without a permit triggers restitution of up to three replacement trees for every one lost.
Temecula Protected Heritage Tree Rules
Significant RestrictionsTemecula Municipal Code § 8.48.160
Protected Trees are recognized as valued environmental assets and significant aesthetic and ecological resources. Any proposed removal or encroachment upon the canopy or Protected Zone of a Protected Tree shall be subject to the provisions set forth in Section 8.48.210... Protected Trees shall include the following: 1. Any of the following species with a trunk diameter that measures twelve inch...
Protected Tree Species
Temecula's Protected Tree Ordinance names oak, California Sycamore, California Bay Laurel, California Black Walnut and Toyon as protected once a trunk reaches 12 inches in diameter measured 4.5 feet above grade. Any tree over 24 inches in diameter, regardless of species, also qualifies as a protected Mature Tree under Chapter 8.48.
Temecula Protected Tree Species
Some RestrictionsTemecula, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 8.48.160(B)(1) (Designation of Protected Trees)
Protected Trees shall include the following: 1. Any of the following species with a trunk diameter that measures twelve inches or more when measured at a point four and a half feet above the natural grade of the base of the tree. Trees with multiple trunks are deemed to have reached the required diameter if the sum of the diameters of the multiple trunks exceeds the diameter required for a sing...
Parkway Planting
Street trees in Temecula are chosen from the city's street tree master list and planted under the Urban Forest Management Plan required by Municipal Code § 8.48.110, which the Public Works Director updates and the city council must approve. 'Street trees' cover anything the city owns or maintains within the right-of-way, including park-strips, medians, and trees within twelve feet of the curb where sidewalks and curbs are adjacent.
Temecula Street Tree Planting Rules
Some RestrictionsTemecula Municipal Code § 8.48.110
This chapter will incorporate the city's Urban Forest Management Plan which sets forth the city's policies and guidelines for planting and maintenance programs for the care and protection of its trees. The Public Works Director shall periodically update and make revisions and amendments to the plan, subject to city council approval. This plan shall include the species, sizes, and locations of s...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Temecula city rules.
Tree Protection in Riverside County →