Palmdale, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Chapter 17.86, Landscaping, Lighting, Walls, and Fences, applies to new development and to major additions or renovations that require a building permit, and Section 17.86.010(D)(4) targets root damage before it starts: any tree planted within 10 feet of a street, sidewalk, paved trail, parking area, or walkway must be a deep-rooted species or separated from the pavement by a root barrier 'to prevent physical damage to public improvements.'

Section 17.86.010(E)(2) bans several tree species from new landscaping outright, except on properties in the ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, and SFR 3 zones developed before June 7, 2001: cottonwood (Populus fremontii, P. trichocarpa, and P. tremuloides), eucalyptus, willows (Salix), Siberian elms (Ulmus pumila), tamarack (Larix occidentalis), and Arizona or Leyland cypress. Outside those low-density residential zones, all plants used in required landscape areas must come from the City's approved planting list under Section 17.86.010(E)(1).

Section 17.86.010(F)(2) sets minimum sizes for newly planted trees: a 15-gallon container at minimum, with at least 50 percent of a project's trees planted at 24-inch box size or larger, at least 20 percent at 36-inch box size or larger, and any tree required for visual screening planted at a minimum 24-inch box size. The minimum planter width for a tree is five feet. Section 17.86.010(D)(7) separately requires that gravel, decomposed granite, mulch, or other hardscape used in a parkway strip be compacted or secured so it does not spread onto the adjacent pedestrian path.