San Jose, CA · Santa Clara County
Tree removal in San Jose
In San Jose, removing an ordinance-size tree, one with a trunk 38 inches or more in circumference at 4.5 feet (or multiple trunks adding up to 38 inches), needs a city permit on single-family and duplex lots, even if the tree is dead. Street trees and heritage trees always need a permit, and on multifamily, commercial and common-area property any tree does.
San Jose measures trees by circumference, not diameter: 38 inches around at 4.5 feet above the ground, which is about 12 inches in diameter. On a single-family or duplex lot, removing an ordinance-size tree needs a permit, and that applies whether the tree is live or dead. Permits are considered when the tree is a safety hazard; dead, dying or diseased; unsuitable for its location; or restricts reasonable improvement of the property.
The valley's big trees include coast live oaks, valley oaks, sycamores, redwoods planted in yards, and large eucalyptus and pines. Drought stress, bark beetles in pines, and winter storms with saturated soil drive most removals. PG&E clears vegetation around its lines.
Reviewed and updated
Permits, drought, storms and lines
Ordinance-size permits
Trees 38 inches around (about 12 in. diameter) need a permit to remove, even dead ones.
Drought stress
Redwoods, pines and non-natives decline in dry years; beetles follow.
Winter storms
Atmospheric rivers saturate soil and topple big trees.
PG&E clearance
Vegetation management around lines, especially in fire-threat areas in the hills.
San Jose's tree removal permits
- On single-family or duplex lots, a permit is required to remove an ordinance-size tree (38 inches or more in circumference at 4.5 feet, single or combined trunks), live or dead.
- A permit is always required for street trees, heritage trees, and any tree on multifamily, commercial, industrial or mixed-use property or in a common area.
- Permits are considered when a tree is a safety hazard; dead, dying or diseased; unsuitable; or restricts reasonable improvement of the property.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Suburban lots and the hillsides
Most San Jose homes sit on mid-century suburban lots with backyard trees near fences, pools and neighbors, plus street trees in front. Hillside homes on the east and south edges face wildfire clearance requirements and limited equipment access.
Measuring a tree: circumference, not diameter
San Jose's threshold is 38 inches around, measured with a tape at 4.5 feet above the ground. That's about 12 inches in diameter. For multi-trunk trees, add up each trunk's circumference at that height. If the total reaches 38 inches, it's ordinance-size.
This catches more trees than people expect, including many mid-sized yard trees, so measure before you schedule.
Oaks, redwoods, eucalyptus and pines
- Coast live oak and valley oak
- Native; valued and protected
- Coast redwood
- Planted widely in yards; drought dieback
- Eucalyptus
- Large limb drop and bark shedding
- Monterey and Italian stone pine
- Bark beetles in drought; heavy limbs
- Sycamore
- Big street and yard trees
Drought and decline
Redwoods planted in yards are especially sensitive to drought, showing browning and thinning crowns. Pines under drought stress attract bark beetles, and once beetles take hold, decline is fast. Dead and dying trees still need a permit if they're ordinance-size, so document their condition with photos or an arborist's report.
San Jose services
With the permit for ordinance-size trees.
To document hazard or decline for a permit.
For oaks and street trees.
For beetle-killed pines and failing eucalyptus.
After removal; call 811 first.
San Jose tree questions
What is an ordinance-size tree in San Jose?
A tree with a single trunk 38 inches or more in circumference at 4.5 feet above ground, or multiple trunks whose circumferences add up to 38 inches or more.
Does a dead tree in my San Jose yard still need a permit?
Yes, if it's ordinance-size, even on a single-family lot. Dead, dying or diseased trees are one of the approval criteria.
Do I need a permit to remove a street tree in San Jose?
Yes. Street trees and heritage trees always require a permit.
Can my HOA remove trees in common areas without a permit?
No. Any tree on multifamily, commercial or common-area property needs a permit.
How do I measure a tree for the San Jose ordinance?
Wrap a tape around the trunk 4.5 feet above the ground. 38 inches around is roughly 12 inches in diameter. For multiple trunks, add the circumferences.
Who trims trees near PG&E lines in San Jose?
PG&E or its contractors. Don't let a regular crew work near energized lines.
Calls are routed to independent local tree-service providers. How calling works
More local guides
Need tree help in San Jose?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.