Palm Desert, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Chapter 12.32 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code regulates tree pruning on public property and on private property that affects public rights-of-way. Section 12.32.030 applies it to any contractor, property owner or occupant doing tree pruning or landscaping work that is on, affects or interferes with public property or the public right-of-way in the City of Palm Desert.

Notice and scheduling come first. Under § 12.32.040(A) the contractor notifies the city no sooner than sixty days and no later than ten days before tree work begins, unless it is emergency work. Equipment may run only in set windows: from October 1 to April 30, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm; from May 1 to September 30, Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Saturday work needs city approval and runs 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sunday work is not permitted.

Before starting, the contractor must apply for and receive an encroachment permit to work within the public right-of-way, and an inspector is assigned to inspect the work, monitor traffic controls and insure public safety. If a lane must close, the contractor notifies the city at least twenty-four hours in advance.

Quality rules are specific. All work conforms to International Society of Arboriculture and ANSI standards, personnel are trained to ISA standards, and an experienced ISA certified arborist supervises. The city's representative has complete and sole discretion in determining whether trimmed or removed trees are acceptable. Trees topped, trimmed or mutilated beyond salvageability come out at the contractor's expense, including the complete root system. Stumps are ground to twenty-four inches below grade, cuttings are removed daily, and damage to property is repaired within forty-eight hours.