Thousand Oaks, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual pruning cap
- 25% of foliage/crown per calendar year
- Banned techniques
- Topping and "lion's tailing"
- Climbing spurs
- Restricted generally, but always allowed on palms
- Over-cap pruning
- Requires a permit + certified arborist justification
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor plus restitution for tree damage
- Scope
- Applies only to trees required by a City-approved landscape plan
Summary
For trees planted under a City-approved landscape plan, Thousand Oaks caps annual pruning at 25% of a tree's foliage or crown and bans "topping" and "lion's tailing" outright. Anyone who needs to prune more heavily can apply for a permit with a certified arborist's justification.
(a) It shall be unlawful to prune greater than twenty-five (25%) percent of the foliage or crown of a tree subject to this chapter as determined by the City's Arborist, during a calendar year. (b) It shall be unlawful to prune a tree that results in topping or lion's tailing. (c) It shall be unlawful to use climbing spurs except when limbs are more than a throwline distance apart and there is no other means of climbing the tree, or when the bark is thick enough to prevent damage to the cambium. The use of climbing spurs on palm trees is permitted.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The chapter is aimed at trees required by an approved landscape plan (not just any backyard tree), and it doesn't override the separate permit requirements for protected oak or landmark trees found elsewhere in the code. Climbing spurs (gaffs/spikes) are banned except when branches are too far apart to climb safely or the bark is thick enough to protect the cambium, though spurs are always allowed on palm trees. A property owner or arborist who needs to remove more than 25% of a tree's canopy in a growing season can apply to the Community Development Director for a pruning permit, supported by a certified arborist's written justification, and pay a processing fee.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor under §1-2.03 of the Municipal Code. On top of that criminal penalty, anyone who damages a covered tree through prohibited pruning owes the City monetary restitution equal to the tree's appraised value (calculated by the City's Arborist using the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th Edition), and may be required to replace the tree if it's no longer viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to any tree in my yard?
What if my tree needs more than a 25% trim for safety?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle tree trimming.