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

Protected tree includes all special status trees designated as such by age, size, species, location, cultural and/or ecological or historic importance that may not be harmed. Protected trees include, but are not limited to, city trees, heritage trees, specimen trees, and trees required by ordinance and/or as a condition of approval for development. Protected trees carry penalties for unauthorized removal.

Removal means the cutting or removing of 50 percent or more of a crown, trunk, or root system of a tree, or any action which results in the loss of aesthetic or physiological viability, or causes the tree to fall or be in immediate danger of falling.

Root zone means the area and volume of soil around the tree in which roots are normally found. May extend to three or more times the branch spread of the tree, and be either deep or shallow in depth. Tree roots cannot grow in compacted soil.

Special status tree is the same as a Protected tree.

Specimen tree means a tree planted for its attractiveness and statement ability, often used as an entry monument or to mark a special location. Another class of protected tree with penalties for unauthorized removal.

Street tree means any tree that is growing along a street within the public right-of-way. Only trees listed in the street tree list or those specifically approved by the urban forestry board, development services director or his designee may be planted as street trees.