Protected Tree Species: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do protected tree species rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson does not maintain a list of 'protected species' (e.g., native oaks, sycamores) in its Municipal Code in the way some Northern California cities do. Carson regulates trees by location (parkway / right-of-way) under Chapter 9 rather than by species. State-level protection applies only to specific listed species under the California Endangered Species Act and CCR Title 14 forestry rules.
View full Carson rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §17.05 (Native Tree Protection Ordinance) protects native oaks, sycamores, walnuts, and California junipers measuring four inches DBH or larger. Removal requires a Bureau of Street Services permit and a four-to-one replacement ratio, even on private property.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Native species list? | None in Carson code — no oak/sycamore protection chapter | - |
| Approach | Location-based (parkway) protection, not species-based | - |
| LA County native protections | Do not apply inside incorporated Carson | - |
| State law backstop | California Endangered Species Act (Fish & Game §2050+) | - |
| Authorized species | Parkway Tree Master Plan Exhibit A (positive list) | - |
| Authority | - | LAMC §17.05 |
| Species | - | Oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper |
| Threshold | - | Four-inch DBH or heritage |
| Replacement | - | Four-to-one ratio |
| Permit issuer | - | Bureau of Street Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson protect native coast live oaks like LA County does?
No. Los Angeles County's Oak Tree Ordinance (Title 22 §22.174) applies in unincorporated LA County and does not apply within Carson city limits. Carson's own code protects only parkway trees under Chapter 9. A native oak entirely on private Carson property is not covered by a city-wide species ordinance, but may still be protected through state CESA if the species is listed.
Are there any tree species banned from planting in Carson?
Carson uses a positive list — the Authorized List of Carson Trees (Exhibit A to Chapter 9). Anything not on the list cannot be planted in the parkway. The City Manager designates which authorized species are planted in any given parkway; planting a non-conforming species in the right-of-way without a permit can result in the tree being removed by the City.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does this apply on my private lot?
Yes. LAMC §17.05 applies citywide regardless of property ownership. Any oak, sycamore, walnut, or juniper meeting the size threshold requires a permit before removal or major pruning.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
You still need a permit, but Urban Forestry expedites hazardous-tree review. Submit photos and an arborist report; emergency removals after a storm must be reported within seven days.
Compare other topics
See how Carson and Los Angeles 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