Heritage & Protected Trees: Fresno vs Selma
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Fresno, CA and Selma, CA?
Fresno and Selma have similar restriction levels.
Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Fresno protects heritage and significant trees through its Urban Forestry program and Development Code provisions. Heritage trees are generally defined as trees of notable size, species, age, or historical significance. The City maintains an inventory of significant public trees. Removal of heritage trees on public property requires City Arborist approval and typically mandates replacement planting at a specified ratio.
View full Fresno rules →Selma, CA
Fresno County
Fresno County Oak Tree Preservation provisions protect valley oak (Quercus lobata) and blue oak (Quercus douglasii). Native oaks above specified DBH are subject to preservation standards in development and ministerial permits.
View full Selma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fresno | Selma |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Notable size, species, age, or historical significance | - |
| Threshold | Generally 12+ inch trunk diameter | - |
| Mitigation | Replacement at 2:1 ratio or higher | 3:1 replacement typical |
| Authority | City Arborist and Urban Forestry program | - |
| Climate Importance | Critical for shade in Central Valley heat | - |
| Protected | - | Valley, blue, coast live oak |
| DBH Threshold | - | ~10 inches |
| CEQA | - | AB 242 oak woodlands |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fresno FAQ
How do I know if a tree on my property is a heritage tree?
Heritage trees are typically of notable size (12+ inch trunk diameter), significant species, advanced age, or historical importance. Contact the City's Urban Forestry program to determine if any trees on your property have protected status.
What happens if I remove a heritage tree?
Unauthorized removal can result in significant fines and required replacement planting at a ratio of two or more new trees for each tree removed. You may also face development restrictions until mitigation is complete.
Selma FAQ
What trees are protected in Fresno County?
Native valley oak, blue oak, and coast live oak in designated preservation zones and above DBH thresholds. Contact Planning Department for specific parcel questions.
Is my developer required to preserve oaks?
Projects impacting native oak woodlands trigger CEQA review under AB 242 and must demonstrate avoidance or mitigation.
Compare other topics
See how Fresno and Selma 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