Merced, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

040 makes it unlawful to cut, trim, prune, plant, spray, remove, injure or interfere with any tree, shrub or plant on a city street, park, pleasure ground, boulevard, alley or public place without the director of recreation and parks' prior permission. The director grants that permission at his or her discretion and can condition it on replacing a removed tree with an official species drawn from the Master Plan-Trees and Shrubs; once issued, the permit is only good for thirty days. 045 lets the permit holder do the trimming personally or hire a private nursery or tree service, but only if the director is satisfied the work will be done properly, that removal work won't irrevocably damage the street tree, and that public safety won't be compromised; the director can condition that private-contractor route on a public liability and property damage insurance policy plus a processing fee.

050 lets anyone maintaining overhead wires, pipes or underground conduits, or any abutting property owner, file a written request for trimming or removal needed to protect that infrastructure, with the director able to require a written cost agreement before issuing the permit. 040 process instead. 060 separately bars anyone from interfering with the director or crew while they perform authorized tree work.