Sacramento, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Street trees managed by Urban Forestry
- Requirement
- Permit required for pruning over 0.5 inch branches
- Requirement
- Heritage trees protected by size and species
- Requirement
- 25 percent canopy threshold triggers permit
- Requirement
- Restitution can exceed 10,000 dollars
Summary
Sacramento's strict tree canopy is protected by SMC Chapter 12.56; permits are required to prune city trees and Heritage trees above light maintenance.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that are well-pruned an
Full Breakdown
Sacramento, the City of Trees, protects public and Heritage trees under SMC Chapter 12.56. Street and park trees are managed by the Urban Forestry Services section; homeowners may perform only light clearance pruning up to 0.5 inch branch diameter and must hire a certified arborist through a permit for larger work. Heritage trees (species and size thresholds listed in SMC 12.56) require a Tree Permit for pruning over 25 percent of the canopy. Violations bring a penalty plus tree-value restitution that can exceed 10,000 dollars for large specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who trims the street tree in front of my house?
Can I top my backyard oak?
Sources & Official References
- [1]SMC 12.56
Other rules in Sacramento
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle tree trimming.