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

Sec. 14 lists nine categories of Protected Trees. The first is a roster of 17 native species at a minimum diameter at standard height (DSH) of four inches, including big leaf maple, box elder, California buckeye, Pacific madrone, California black walnut, California sycamore, coast live oak, canyon live oak, blue oak, Oregon white oak, California black oak, valley oak, interior live oak, three willow species and California bay. Non-native trees on commercial properties or in residential front yards are protected once they reach eight inches DSH, but the ordinance carves out any species the California Invasive Plant Council lists as invasive, so those do not gain protection regardless of size.

Street trees, Memorial Trees recognized by the City Council, Heritage Trees meeting the two-factor test in Sec. 19, replacement trees planted to mitigate a prior removal, trees preserved under an approved development plan or permit condition, and Coast Redwoods over 36 inches DSH round out the protected list. A permit is required under Sec. 21 before removing a protected tree, pruning more than one-third of the canopy, girdling the bark, or digging, grading or paving inside the tree protection zone, defined as the dripline plus one additional foot.

Development projects need an arborist report for any Heritage Tree removal or removal of three or more protected trees, and a bond covering the appraised replacement value of retained trees before grading or building permits issue. Tenants need the property owner's written consent to apply for a permit.