Arcadia, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Section 9110.01.030 of the Arcadia Municipal Code lists four classes of protected tree. Class one is the Engelmann Oak (Quercus Engelmannii) or Coast Live Oak (Quercus Agrifolia) with a trunk diameter larger than four inches, or two or more trunks of three inches each or greater. Class two is any other living oak, native or not, with a trunk larger than twelve inches, or two or more trunks of ten inches each or greater. Class three is the California, or western, Sycamore with a trunk larger than six inches, or two or more trunks of four inches each or greater. Class four is the Mature Tree: any tree not on the unprotected list with a trunk larger than twelve inches, or two or more trunks of ten inches each or greater, that stands within a required front, side, street-side, or rear yard setback. Every diameter is measured at 4½ feet above the root crown.

Section 9110.01.020 applies these rules to all protected trees on public and private property, whether vacant, undeveloped, in the process of development or developed. No protected tree can be removed, topped, trimmed, damaged or have its protected zone encroached upon except in conformance with the chapter. The protected zone follows the dripline and is never less than fifteen feet from the trunk (Section 9110.01.120). The stated purpose in Section 9110.01.010 is to recognize oaks, sycamores and mature trees as significant aesthetic and ecological resources.

Section 9110.01.040 carves out the unprotected trees: fruit and nut trees, Shamel Ash, ficuses other than Moreton Bay fig, eucalyptus, Tree of Heaven, palm trees, Brazilian Pepper, Carob, European White birch, Silk Oak, Mulberry, Silver Maple, Italian Cypress, the cottonwoods, White Alder, Arroyo willow and Sweet Gum. Those species are unprotected anywhere on a property. A non-oak, non-sycamore tree outside every required setback is unprotected too. Pruning a protected tree needs no permit, but Section 9110.01.050 requires a written recommendation from a Certified Arborist first.