Redlands, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Automatic protection
- Section 12.52.110, no hearing needed
- Native tree threshold
- Trunk over 8 inches at 4.5 feet
- Native list
- Must appear on council-approved list
- Specimen criteria
- Set by city council resolution
- Permit still required
- Section 12.52.140(A) for pruning or removal
Summary
Redlands automatically protects certain public trees without any designation hearing. City Code Section 12.52.110 states that all public trees meeting the 'native tree' or 'specimen tree' definitions in Section 12.52.020 are 'automatically subject to the protections of this chapter,' covering trees with an eight-inch-plus trunk on the city's approved native list and council-designated specimen species.
All public trees meeting the definition of native or specimen trees in section 12.52.020 of this chapter are automatically subject to the protections of this chapter as of the effective date hereof.
Full Breakdown
020 defines a 'native tree' as any tree a certified arborist identifies as native to the local area, with a trunk exceeding eight inches (8\") in diameter measured four and one-half feet (4 1/2') above natural grade, that also appears on a list of native trees the city council has approved. A 'specimen tree' is any public tree meeting size and species criteria the city council sets by resolution, criteria that create a presumption the tree has distinctive form, size, or age and is an outstanding example of a desirable species warranting the chapter's protection.
110 makes protection automatic: any public tree fitting either definition is automatically subject to the chapter's protections as of the effective date, meaning no hearing or director action is needed to trigger coverage. 030 confirms native and specimen trees, along with landmark and public trees, fall within the chapter's protected classes. 190 construction-guarding requirement, which names native and specimen trees specifically, applies whenever nearby building or excavation work occurs.
Violations & Fines
Because Section 12.52.110 makes protection automatic, removing, injuring, or performing unpermitted work on a native or specimen tree violates Section 12.52.140(A) and the prohibited-acts list in Section 12.52.160, exactly as it would for a landmark tree. Section 12.52.220 lets the city attorney charge the violation as a misdemeanor or infraction, and absent a specific penalty, Sections 1.20.010 and 1.20.020 impose up to $1,000 and six months in jail for a misdemeanor, or tiered infraction fines up to $500 for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a native tree on public land in Redlands need a special designation to be protected?
What makes a tree a 'native tree' under Redlands' code?
Can I remove a specimen tree from public property if I think it's diseased?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redlands
California rules heatmap·Compare Redlands to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle protected tree species.