Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, and road visibility. Protected native trees may require consultation with County PDS before major pruning.
The County requires tree maintenance in several contexts. For defensible space, trees must have branches pruned to at least 6 feet above ground to prevent ground fires from spreading upward. Trees near utility lines must be maintained per utility company requirements. Trees that obstruct traffic visibility or road signs must be trimmed. The County's Resource Protection Ordinance may apply to major pruning of protected native trees — check with PDS before significantly altering native trees. Street trees along county-maintained roads are managed by the County Department of Public Works. Property owners are generally responsible for trees on their land, including any that overhang public areas.
Failure to maintain trees for defensible space compliance results in citations and potential forced abatement. Tree trimming that damages protected species may require mitigation.
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See how San Diego County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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