Fullerton Tree Trimming Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Fullerton's tree regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its urban canopy across a community of approximately 139,000 residents in north-central Orange County. The city's tree-lined streets, established neighborhoods, and parks are defining features of Fullerton's character, and the Municipal Code and Public Works policies are designed to protect and expand this canopy.

Trees located in the public right-of-way — including those planted in parkway strips between the sidewalk and curb, in street medians, and on other city-owned land — are the property of the City of Fullerton and are maintained exclusively by the Public Works Department's Maintenance Services Division or its authorized contractors. Private individuals are strictly prohibited from trimming, pruning, topping, or removing any city tree without prior written authorization. The city maintains these trees on a rotating maintenance schedule, addressing structural pruning, clearance over sidewalks and streets, and hazard mitigation. Residents who believe a city tree needs attention — due to dead limbs, obstructed visibility, root damage to sidewalks, or other concerns — may submit a service request to the Maintenance Services Division at (714) 738-6897. Emergency situations involving fallen trees or hazardous limbs blocking roadways should be reported to the same number during business hours or to the Fullerton Police non-emergency line after hours.

For trees on private residential property, Fullerton does not impose a blanket permit requirement for routine pruning and maintenance. Property owners are free to trim, shape, and maintain their own trees as needed. However, several important limitations apply. Properties located within Fullerton's hillside overlay zones or subject to specific plan areas with tree preservation requirements may face restrictions on the removal of mature or significant trees, potentially requiring a tree removal permit or environmental review before removal can proceed. Trees that are part of a condition of approval for a development project — such as landscape screening required at the time of subdivision or site plan approval — may not be removed without city authorization, as doing so could violate the conditions of the original development approval. Additionally, any tree work that may affect protected species or habitat is subject to state and federal environmental laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the disturbance of active bird nests.

Tree trimming near overhead power lines in Fullerton must be handled with extreme caution. Southern California Edison (SCE) is responsible for maintaining clearance around its power lines and property owners should contact SCE at 1-800-655-4555 to request line clearance trimming rather than attempting to trim near energized conductors. Only qualified utility-approved contractors should perform work within the utility clearance zone. The city strongly encourages all property owners to hire International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists for major tree work, including large removals, crown reductions, and structural pruning, to ensure the work is performed safely and in compliance with best arboricultural practices.