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

Ch 8.52 ('Preservation of Heritage Trees') establishes a citywide protection regime. § 8.52.020 prohibits destruction or removal of any heritage tree on private or public property without a permit. § 8.52.070 requires pruning be performed according to International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) pruning standards — homeowner self-pruning that violates ISA standards (e.g., 'topping') is itself a violation. § 8.52.100 ('Preservation and maintenance of existing heritage tree') imposes an affirmative duty on property owners to maintain heritage trees in healthy condition. § 8.52.110 ('Building permits') requires that any building or grading permit on a parcel containing a heritage tree include tree-protection measures (fencing of the dripline, restrictions on grade changes within the root zone, etc.) so that construction does not damage the tree. The Parks and Recreation Department uses Tulare's status as the home of the original 'Charter Oak' (founding site of Tulare County, 1852) as the historical anchor for the heritage tree program. Valley Oaks are specifically called out as the protected heritage species in city documentation. State law (Cal. Public Resources Code §§ 21083.4, 21080.5; Oak Woodlands Conservation Act of 2001) provides background protection for native oak woodlands but does not override the city's stricter ordinance.