Davis, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

020 opens landmark tree nomination to any person, who submits a proposal that the director reviews and forwards to a city council advisory commission. The property owner of the tree under consideration must be notified and given the chance to participate in the process. The city council may designate a tree as a landmark tree, on the advisory commission's recommendation, if it meets any one of five criteria: it is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species, one of the largest or oldest trees in Davis, of historical interest, of distinctive form, or an unusual species, significant grove, or otherwise unique.

030 gives designated owners a resolution of appreciation from the city and free consultation and advice from the city arborist for the tree's care. 040 lets only the property owner request removal of the designation, submitting an application to the director explaining the reasons, with no permit fee charged for that request. The tree permit appeal board reviews the removal request and recommends removing the designation if the tree has died, been damaged, is diseased, or for the reasons given; if the board approves removal, the tree comes off the city's landmark tree list, and a new designation request for that tree cannot be filed again for two years. If the board denies removal of the designation, a repeat removal request cannot be filed for one year. 070.