Merced County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

For everyday homeowners, Merced County does not require a permit to trim trees on your own property. Tree obligations arise mainly through development. Under UDO Section 18.36.050(H), street trees must be planted by subdivision developers in the M-H, R-1, R-1-5000 and R-2 residential zones; the location and species are approved by the Planning Department and Department of Public Works, species must be drought-resistant and not prone to damaging foundations or sidewalks, and one species is generally required per subdivision. Critically, Section 18.36.050(H)(4) states that if a street tree is removed it shall be replaced with another street tree. Section 18.36.040 / 18.36.050 also addresses placement so that mature plants do not interfere with service lines, visibility, adjacent owners or solar access. Separately, no fence, wall or hedge (and by extension vegetation) higher than 2 feet 6 inches may obstruct the sight-distance triangle at intersections and driveways, per UDO Section 18.34.030(D) referencing County Code Chapter 13.24 (Sight Distance at Public Intersections and Private Driveways) - so overhanging or sightline-blocking growth there must be trimmed. Noise-barrier landscaping plans may require trees at 30-foot intervals along walls (Section 18.34.060). For trees in the public right-of-way, contact Public Works before trimming.