Lake Forest, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Eucalyptus only
- Reason
- Eucalyptus longhorn borer infestation
- Other species
- Not covered by this ordinance
- Governing chapter
- Chapter 6.20
Summary
Lake Forest, California, has no general heritage-tree list: its only species-specific tree protection targets eucalyptus trees, adopted to fight the eucalyptus longhorn borer beetle.
The City has a vast quantity of beautiful eucalyptus trees which form the nucleus and the physical heart of the City. These trees are endangered by the presence of a beetle identified as the eucalyptus longhorn borer. These beetles lay their eggs on the eucalyptus trees and the larvae bore holes within the trees causing serious damage and destruction. The control of infestation by this beetle can be helped by regulating the maintenance of such trees in a healthy and nonhazardous condition through good arboricultural practices and by prohibiting the transportation and cutting of eucalyptus trees or logs during the period of April 1st through October 31st without a City permit. (Ord. 171 § 1, 2007)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4722652; v7 updated 2026-02-17).
Full Breakdown
The Lake Forest Eucalyptus Tree Conservation Ordinance, Lake Forest Municipal Code § 6.20.015, states the purpose of Chapter 6.20 directly: the city's eucalyptus trees "form the nucleus and the physical heart of the City" and are endangered by the eucalyptus longhorn borer beetle, whose larvae bore into the wood. The ordinance regulates maintenance and restricts cutting and transport of eucalyptus trees specifically to control that infestation. Chapter 6.20 does not extend protection to oaks, sycamores, or other species, eucalyptus is the only species this Orange County city's municipal code singles out for tree-specific protection.
Violations & Fines
The species-specific protection applies only to eucalyptus trees; cutting a protected eucalyptus without a permit during the restricted period violates Chapter 6.20 and is prosecutable as a misdemeanor or infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lake Forest protect oak or heritage trees?
Why does Lake Forest single out eucalyptus trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake Forest
California rules heatmap·Compare Lake Forest to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle protected tree species.