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

Because street trees in Merced sit in the public right-of-way and tree easements, the decision to remove one belongs to the City, not the adjacent property owner. The City's Public Works Department states: "Requests to remove a tree are handled by the Public Works Department. Not all requests to remove a tree will be honored. The City of Merced has established policies governing the removal of city trees. Trees are typically removed if they are dead, declining, or pose a hazard for public safety." A resident who wants a street tree removed, for example because of sidewalk lifting or a perceived nuisance, must call Public Works at (209) 385-6800 and make a request that staff evaluate against City tree policy and available funding. A healthy street tree generally will not be removed simply for convenience. Right-of-way and tree easements typically extend 8 to 10 feet behind the curb even without a sidewalk, so confirm with the City whether a tree is City-owned before any work. For trees located entirely on private property behind the right-of-way line, removal is the owner's choice, but dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees on private land can be a nuisance under Municipal Code 8.40.070, so removing a clearly hazardous private tree may be required rather than optional.