Protected Tree Species: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do protected tree species rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
El Monte and Los Angeles 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 →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 | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 8-inch diameter at 4.5 ft above grade (~25-inch circumference) | Four-inch DBH or heritage |
| 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) | - |
| Authority | - | LAMC §17.05 |
| Species | - | Oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper |
| Replacement | - | Four-to-one ratio |
| Permit issuer | - | Bureau of Street Services |
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).
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.
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