Protected Tree Species: El Monte vs Long Beach
How do protected tree species rules compare between El Monte, CA and Long Beach, CA?
El Monte and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte protects 14 named California native tree species — including all native oaks, California sycamore, California walnut, California bay, and California redwood — once their trunk diameter exceeds 8 inches at breast height.
View full El Monte rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach Municipal Code Title 14 chapter 14.04 protects designated heritage trees and certain species on public and private property. Removing, topping, or seriously damaging a protected tree without a permit can trigger significant fines and replacement requirements.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 8-inch diameter at 4.5 ft above grade (~25-inch circumference) | - |
| Number of protected species | 14 California natives | - |
| Includes | Coast live oak, Engelmann oak, Valley oak, California sycamore, California walnut, California redwood | - |
| Exempt | Fruit/nut trees, palms, nursery stock, certified hazardous trees | - |
| Code section | EMMC §14.03.020 (Native Tree definition) | - |
| Code | - | LBMC Title 14 chapter 14.04 |
| Designation | - | Heritage tree program |
| Permit | - | Required before removal |
| Mitigation | - | Arborist plus replacement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Which California native species are protected in El Monte?
All 14 species named in EMMC §14.03.020: Coast live oak, Engelmann oak, Canyon oak, California sycamore, California walnut, Scrub oak, Valley oak, California bay, Cottonwood (Fremont and Black), California alder, Arroyo willow, California buckeye, and California redwood — once the trunk exceeds 8 inches diameter at 4.5 ft above grade.
Is my palm tree protected in El Monte?
No. All species of palms are expressly exempt under EMMC §14.03.050(7), as are all fruit- and nut-bearing trees.
What about a California pepper tree or a non-native eucalyptus?
They are not on the Native Tree list, but they may qualify as Heritage Trees if they meet the size or height thresholds in §14.03.020 (36-inch single-trunk circumference, 75-inch multi-trunk, or 35 feet tall).
Long Beach FAQ
Are all big trees protected?
No. Only trees designated under Title 14 chapter 14.04, certain species, and most street trees are formally protected, though removal still needs review for large private trees in some cases.
Who handles parkway trees?
Long Beach Public Works manages street and parkway trees. Residents must coordinate any pruning or removal through the department, not handle it themselves.
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