Temecula, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Oak, Sycamore, Bay Laurel, Black Walnut, Toyon
- Species diameter threshold
- 12 inches at 4.5 feet above grade
- Mature Tree threshold
- 24-inch diameter, any species except Eucalyptus
- Protected zone
- 5 ft beyond drip line, min. 15 ft from trunk
- Restitution ratio
- 3 replacement trees per tree destroyed
- Governing chapter
- TMC Ch. 8.48, Ord. 2024-04 (7/23/2024)
Summary
Temecula's Protected Tree Ordinance names oak, California Sycamore, California Bay Laurel, California Black Walnut and Toyon as protected once a trunk reaches 12 inches in diameter measured 4.5 feet above grade. Any tree over 24 inches in diameter, regardless of species, also qualifies as a protected Mature Tree under Chapter 8.48.
Protected Trees shall include the following: 1. Any of the following species with a trunk diameter that measures twelve inches or more when measured at a point four and a half feet above the natural grade of the base of the tree. Trees with multiple trunks are deemed to have reached the required diameter if the sum of the diameters of the multiple trunks exceeds the diameter required for a single trunk tree by two inches: a. Oak trees of the genus Quercus including, but not limited to, California or Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Coastal Sage Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa), Engelman Oak (Quercus engelmannii), Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia), and Valley Oak (Quercus lobata); b. California Sycamore (Platanus racemose); c. California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica); d. California Black Walnut (Juglans californica); e. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutafolia).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862229; v11 updated 2026-04-14).
Full Breakdown
110(C)). 5 feet above the natural grade, or once the combined diameter of multiple trunks exceeds that threshold by two inches. Separately, any tree of any species with a trunk over 24 inches in diameter is a "Mature Tree" and automatically protected, except Eucalyptus, which can only become protected through the nomination process. 160(B)(3). 200(A); damaging one is a separate violation for each act of damage. Removal, relocation, cutting or encroachment into that zone requires a city permit, covered on Temecula's separate tree-removal-permit page.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 8.48, including letting a Protected Tree decline or damaging one, is enforceable as a criminal misdemeanor or an administrative citation under Chapters 1.16, 1.20 and 1.21, and is separately declared a public nuisance abatable under Chapter 8.12 (TMC 8.48.300). The city may also seek restitution: three replacement trees of the same or similar species per tree damaged or destroyed, or a fee in lieu based on the ISA's Guide for Plant Appraisal, plus watering and maintenance costs for three years (8.48.320).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species are automatically protected in Temecula?
Does a tree have to be one of those five species to be protected?
What counts as "damage" to a Protected Tree under Temecula's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temecula
California rules heatmap·Compare Temecula to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle protected tree species.