Rocklin, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 12.08.060 sets the city's maintenance standard for every street tree: surface roots on a young tree must be removed to prevent future sidewalk, curb and gutter damage; overhead limbs must be pruned to compensate for root loss; large mature trees must be pruned or trimmed; and a developing tree must be shaped and trimmed to keep adequate sidewalk and street clearance. The city performs this maintenance itself under Section 12.08.050, which also requires the administrator to remove and replace any street tree that is dead, dying or dangerous, and to treat or remove a tree infested beyond eradication.

Private trimming is tightly controlled: Section 12.08.090 makes it unlawful for anyone to plant, remove, trim, prune or cut a tree on the street, planting easement, or between the property line and the curb without a written permit from the administrator, and any approved work must proceed under the administrator's general supervision, including removing the stump to the depth the city manager specifies. Section 12.08.070 gives the administrator separate authority to cut down a street tree, or a private tree overhanging the right-of-way, that is dead, likely to fall, dangerous, obstructing travel, or unpruned, after ten days' written notice to the owner except in cases of public danger. Section 12.08.100 also bars interfering with city employees who are trimming or removing trees.