Upland, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- UMC Ch. 12.26 Tree Care
- Registry
- Official heritage/landmark tree register
- Removal authority
- Public works director + city manager approval
- Removal grounds
- Dead, diseased, hazardous, or emergency only
- Appeal path
- Street tree advisory committee, then city manager
- Penalty
- Administrative fine under Ch. 1.10
Summary
Upland keeps an official register of heritage and landmark trees under Municipal Code § 12.26.040, protecting specimens valued for species rarity, historical association, scenic contribution, or a remarkable physical form. The public works director and street tree advisory committee control removal, care, and preservation of these trees citywide.
The city is committed to promoting the health, safety and welfare of present and future residents of the city by providing for the identification and preservation of landmark and historical trees existing within the city. Heritage and landmark trees are trees which by the nature of their physical, social or environmental significance or contribution to the identity of neighborhoods, merit community recognition and protection. Identification of these trees shall further be defined as having a species rarity, an association with historical events or persons, a scenic enhancement or a remarkable abnormality. The committee shall have the location, and identification of all trees, including any trees which qualify as landmark or heritage trees. An official register of heritage and landmark trees shall be developed and maintained by the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
040 commits the city to identifying and preserving landmark and historical trees, defining them as trees that by physical, social, or environmental significance merit community recognition and protection, including species rarity, association with historical events or persons, scenic enhancement, or a remarkable abnormality. The street tree advisory committee locates and identifies qualifying trees, and the city maintains an official register recording each tree's location, size, species, and street tree inventory findings. 050. 060 the public works director, with city manager approval, or the city's contract certified arborist may approve removal only if a tree is dead, diseased, hazardous, or presents an emergency safety threat, or if it is causing chronic, persistent damage to curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or other hardscape.
Leaves, pine cones, needles, fruit, seed debris, or roots that have grown into a compromised sewer lateral are expressly not valid grounds for removal. 110.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance with Chapter 12.26 is subject to administrative fines under Municipal Code Chapter 1.10 (§ 12.26.120). Any peace officer, code enforcement officer, or person designated by the city manager may issue an administrative citation to compel a remedy for a chapter violation under § 12.26.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a heritage or landmark tree in Upland?
Can leaves or root damage justify removing a heritage tree?
Who has final say if my removal appeal is denied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle heritage & protected trees.