Compton, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

3, so a resident cannot cut one down on their own authority. 2 makes it unlawful, a public nuisance, and an infraction punishable by a $100 fine for any person to plant, remove, prune, injure or destroy a street tree except in conformance with the chapter. 4 requires the property owner or any person to submit a request to the Director of Public Works, who inspects the tree and, in the Director's sole and exclusive determination, decides whether to remove, spray, prune, root-prune or replace it.

6 requires the Director to post the tree with a conspicuous notice at least 10 days ahead stating the tree will be removed, unless there is immediate public danger. That notice must tell residents they may protest the removal by notifying the Director, and if a protest is filed, the Director must reconsider; if the tree poses no threat to safety or property, and the danger cannot be mitigated by pruning, root pruning, irrigation or feeding, the Director is barred from removing it. Anyone unhappy with the Director's final call can appeal to the City Manager, and from there to the City Council, whose procedures the City Manager sets. 8 are billed for the resulting removal or replacement, on top of whatever the removal process otherwise requires.