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

Redding's tree-protection framework relies on uniform protection of all sufficiently large trees through RMC Chapter 18.45 (Tree Management) rather than a separately curated heritage-tree registry. The Chapter 18.45 6-inch DBH threshold means that nearly any mature tree on any property in the city is protected from destruction, killing, or removal without a permit — effectively a broad default heritage protection compared to jurisdictions that protect only specifically listed species. The Tree Management Ordinance Update Committee, established by Council on September 13, 2022 (six meetings January-May 2023), considered recommendations for explicit heritage-tree, native-oak, and large-specimen protections; check the current ordinance for any adopted provisions. Specific specimen trees designated as 'trees to be saved' on approved discretionary land-use entitlements under §18.45.070 become enforceable conditions of approval recorded against the parcel. Notable mature-tree resources in the City include the Sacramento River Trail corridor (managed cooperatively with the McConnell Foundation and Turtle Bay), Caldwell Park, the McConnell Arboretum, and significant valley oaks (Quercus lobata) and California black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) scattered through older neighborhoods. The California Native Oak Woodlands Preservation Act (Public Resources Code §21083.4) requires CEQA mitigation for significant oak-woodland impacts on development projects of 1 acre or more in cities or counties that adopt implementing ordinances. Voluntary protection options include conservation easements through Shasta Land Trust covering the Sacramento River and surrounding foothill habitats.