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

The City of Lake Forest does not require a permit to remove an ordinary tree from private property, and it has no broad heritage- or significant-tree protection ordinance covering all species. The principal regulated case is eucalyptus. Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 makes it unlawful, during the restricted period of April 1st through October 31st each year, to cut down a eucalyptus tree or transport eucalyptus logs, branches, or trunk on City streets without a eucalyptus tree cutting permit, because cutting and moving infested wood in the warm months spreads the eucalyptus longhorn borer. A governmental agency, public utility, or homeowners association may obtain an annual master permit to cut, prune, remove, or transport eucalyptus on public or private property during the restricted period. As a condition of any permit, the Director may require an ongoing maintenance and care program and may require that, after cutting or removal, the eucalyptus wood be chipped, burned, buried, or tarped immediately. Outside the eucalyptus rule, tree removal is generally allowed; owners should still keep the parkway and right-of-way clear and may remove dry, fire-hazard vegetation consistent with Fire Code Section 304.1.3 and OCFA fuel-modification requirements. The City actively replaces turf and trees with California-friendly native and drought-tolerant plantings in its own landscaped areas.