Tree trimming in unincorporated LA County is generally unrestricted for private property, except for protected oak trees. Any cutting or pruning of oak trees 8+ inches diameter requires an Oak Tree Permit under Chapter 22.174. Street trees are managed by county public works.
Tree trimming on private property in unincorporated LA County is generally unrestricted for most species — homeowners can trim their own trees without a permit. However, oak trees are protected under the Oak Tree Permit Ordinance (Chapter 22.174), and trimming that damages the health of a protected oak may require a permit. Trees in the public right-of-way are maintained by the LA County Department of Public Works Road Maintenance Division. Neighbors may trim branches that overhang their property line under California Civil Code, but cannot kill the tree. Utility companies have the right to trim trees near power lines.
Unauthorized trimming of protected oak trees in a manner that damages the tree can result in fines up to $1,000 per tree under the Oak Tree Ordinance, plus replacement costs. Damaging public trees is subject to restitution at replacement value (often $5,000-$50,000 for mature trees). Topping a neighbor's tree in a way that kills it creates civil liability for replacement value.
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