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

Orange County is notably the only county in the six-county SCAG region without adopted native-tree protections, according to local advocates and county reporting. As a result, there is no general countywide requirement to obtain a permit before removing a tree on most private property in the unincorporated area. The County did develop a draft 'Protected Tree' framework as part of the 'Orange is the New Green' Zoning Code update. As drafted, it would protect native species (single trunk 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height, measured 4.5 feet above grade; multi-trunk trees where any two trunks combine to 23.6 inches circumference), prohibit cutting, removing, or damaging them without a 'Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit,' and require replacement at a minimum 5:1 ratio with a 10-year establishment period. However, that draft applies only to parcels of 20,000 square feet or larger in the Silverado-Modjeska and Foothill/Trabuco specific-plan canyon areas, excludes the Coastal Zone and state parks, and has not been adopted as a general countywide ordinance. Owners removing large native trees in canyon/specific-plan areas should confirm current rules with OC Public Works before cutting. Separately, fire abatement may require removal of dead and dying trees.