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

Palm Springs follows the standard California pattern: property owners maintain trees on their lots including branches overhanging the public right-of-way. The city enforces vertical clearances of roughly 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets so emergency vehicles, street sweepers, and pedestrians pass unobstructed. Trees on the city parkway strip between sidewalk and curb are municipal property under PSMC Chapter 8.16, and residents cannot prune or remove them without authorization from Public Works. The city's signature Washingtonia and date palms require annual skinning and frond removal; the city and most HOAs schedule this in late spring to early summer before fronds become a fire and wind hazard. Desert trees such as mesquite, palo verde, and ironwood should be pruned in winter dormancy. Nesting-bird protection under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish & Game Code §3503 means heavy pruning during spring nesting (roughly February through August) can trigger violations if active nests are disturbed, so professional arborists typically schedule major work outside nesting season.