Protected trees are specific locally native tree species, trees of specific size and other tree categories identified in our tree protection ordinance that are protected (Title 8, Palo Alto Municipal Code). These trees must be maintained in accordance with regulations and may require permits for pruning, removal or any activities that might impact them. Protected trees can fall under three broad categories; public trees, protected private trees, and designated trees.
All public trees are protected. Public trees or street trees are all trees growing within the street right-of-way, on public property such as parks, or city facilities. In some cases property lines lie several feet behind the sidewalks. A Tree Permit from the Urban Forestry Section of the Public Works Department is required prior to any work on or within the drip-line of any public/street tree.
Locally Native Protected Species Trees
Protected Mature Trees
Designated trees can belong to one or more of the three following categories:
Designated Trees
Carbon Sequestration or Environmental Mitigation Trees
Replacement Mitigation Trees
Heritage Trees are also protected. Heritage trees are individual trees of any size or species or historical significance that are deemed as such by City Council. Property owners may also nominate a tree for Heritage Tree status if it has characteristics that are distinctive.
Trees that are under or near power lines may be protected under Title 8 of PAMC but are also considered to be regulated trees regardless of ownership. The State of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires all utilities in the state to maintain vegetation clearance from their electric conductors and related equipment. The City of Palo Alto, as operator of its own electric utility, must be in compliance with CPUC rules. To comply with these rules and to deliver safe and reliable power to the residents and businesses of Palo Alto, the City has in place a Line Clearing Program. Please call (650) 496-5953 if you have questions about City-related tree services.
For information on tree-related code enforcement issues, please see this Planning Department webpage: Code Enforcement
Tree Planting, Public Tree Maintenance, Utility Line Clearance
Phone: (650) 496-5953 pwps@paloalto.gov P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Urban Forestry counter hours: 9-12, Mon-Thurs. Phone: (650)-617-3173 285 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301