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

3(C), Fairfield's Tree Conservation ordinance gives the City discretion to protect a tree for what it represents rather than what species it is. 3(D) designates trees or groups of trees having one or more of five characteristics, as determined by the City during project review or through special studies: demonstrated habitat value, historical or cultural value documented by published sources, important aesthetic value, uniqueness or rarity, or unusual size or age. Unlike the species-based list, this criterion applies without regard to trunk diameter and is not limited to native oaks, bay laurel, madrone or buckeye; the City makes the call during discretionary project review by the Department, the Planning Commission or the City Council, or through a special study commissioned for that purpose.

9. 1 explains the policy behind this broader designation: trees that increase property values, enhance community pride, preserve wildlife habitat and contribute to the quality of life in the community beyond what a simple species list would capture on its own.