Emergency Tree Cutting in Los Angeles County, CA

Tree problems in Los Angeles County, CA that call for emergency tree cutting

1. 1

   The LA County oak tree ordinance

   In unincorporated areas, no one may cut, destroy, remove, relocate, damage or encroach into the protected zone of any oak that is 25 inches or more in circumference (8 inches in diameter) at 4.5 feet above natural grade without first getting an oak tree permit. The protected zone extends 5 feet beyond the drip line or 15 feet from the trunk, whichever is greater, so grading, trenching, paving or even heavy equipment parked under an oak can require a permit.

2. 2

   Santa Ana winds and emergencies

   Santa Ana wind events, most common from fall into winter, bring dry gusts that topple shallow-rooted trees and break eucalyptus and pine limbs. Lines down go to Southern California Edison or LADWP depending on your area. A tree on a house is an emergency regardless of species; deal with permits afterward with documentation.

3. 3

   Unincorporated LA County vs. its 88 cities

   Los Angeles County is a patchwork. Unincorporated communities, such as Altadena, East Los Angeles, Topanga, Hacienda Heights and much of the Santa Clarita Valley outside the city, follow county rules, including the county's oak tree ordinance. Incorporated cities, like Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale and Santa Clarita, set their own tree rules, and many protect oaks, sycamores, walnuts and other natives.