Turlock, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Turlock's tree-protection requirements focus on street trees in the public parkway or planting easement. Under Turlock Municipal Code Chapter 7-7 (Street Trees), specifically Section 7-7-301, it is unlawful to remove, prune, or severely alter any street tree within the City without a permit, unless an immediate threat to public health and safety exists. The Street Tree Permit carries no fee, but all work and costs to remove a tree are the property owner's responsibility, and the owner must replace any removed street tree with a City-approved species from the City of Turlock Street Tree List unless otherwise approved. The City reviews each application and approves removal when the tree is dead, dying, hazardous, diseased, or damaging public improvements such as sidewalks, curbs, gutters or utilities, and it retains authority over inspection, supervision and approval of street-tree maintenance, pruning and removal. Minor clearance trimming that removes no more than 10% of live foliage may proceed without a permit. The City discourages topping or heavy cutting and encourages using a certified arborist. By contrast, Turlock publishes no citywide heritage-tree or private-property tree-removal permit, so ordinary private-yard trees are generally not subject to a removal permit, though they remain subject to overhang-clearance (TMC Ch. 10-2) and nuisance rules and any conditions in an approved development landscape plan. Apply or ask via Public Works/Recreation at 209-668-5594.