Tree Trimming: Altadena vs Burbank
How do tree trimming rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Trimming protected oak trees (≥8 in DBH) requires an Oak Tree Permit if the work enters the protected zone or removes >25% of crown. Street trees in the public right-of-way are maintained by LA County Public Works.
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Permit Required | Yes if entering protected zone | - |
| Code Section | LA County 22.174.040 | - |
| Parkway Trees | Maintained by LA County DPW | - |
| Utility Pruning | Allowed with notice (PUC 911) | - |
| Public Trees | - | Written permit required for any work |
| Root Pruning | - | Unlawful without city authorization |
| Construction | - | Must protect Tree Protection Zone |
| Code | - | BMC Chapter 7-4 |
| Contact | - | (818) 238-5304 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I trim the oak in my Altadena backyard?
Light pruning of dead wood is generally fine, but anything entering the protected zone or removing >25% of crown needs an Oak Tree Permit under LA County Code 22.174.040.
Burbank FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Burbank?
Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Burbank?
Public Trees: Written permit required for any work. Root Pruning: Unlawful without city authorization. Construction: Must protect Tree Protection Zone. Code: BMC Chapter 7-4.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Burbank compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool