Heritage tree designation criteria by city
What makes a tree a heritage tree across 170 verified U.S. cities. Some ordinances trigger automatic heritage status above a DBH threshold; most require council or commission designation based on age, species rarity, or historical association. Each row links to the underlying municipal code.
- Lowest DBH (strictest)
-
4″ DBH
- Median DBH
-
24″ DBH
across 49 verified cities
- Highest DBH (loosest)
-
48″ DBH
Designation-only: 121 of 170 cities have no numeric DBH trigger — heritage status is awarded case-by-case by Council, Planning Commission, or Tree Commission rather than by inch threshold.
Most-named species in heritage / protected definitions: Oak (59 cities), Cypress (19 cities), Cedar (15 cities), Sycamore (11 cities), Buckeye (7 cities).
Browse by state
All verified cities, ranked by DBH threshold
Sorted ascending by extracted DBH (or DSH/circumference normalized to diameter). Cities with designation-only criteria appear last. Click a city for the full ordinance page or the ordinance link for the underlying municipal code.
| City | State | Heritage criteria | Protected-tree definition | Replacement ratio | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | Colorado |
4″ DBH
Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 57 (Parks and Recreation — Tree Regulations) regulates all public-right-of-way and park trees regardless of size; on private development sites, trees ≥4-inch DBH subject to landscape and tree-preservation review with replacement obligations to the Tree Planting Fund — Denver's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
All trees in the public right-of-way are regulated regardless of size. Street trees and park trees require Office of the City Forester approval for any work. Trees on private property affected by development subject to landscape and tree preservation review. | 1:1 to 2:1 for street tree removal; on-site landscape replacement for development | Ordinance |
| Simi Valley | California |
5″ DBH
Mature Trees designated under the Simi Valley Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance receive heritage-level protection: native oak species at 5-inch or greater diameter, all other species at 9.5-inch or greater diameter, measured at 4.5 feet above root crown. Tree Advisory Board reviews removal applications and may recommend additional landmark designation. |
Mature Tree: native oaks 5+ inches diameter, other species 9.5+ inches diameter, at 4.5 feet above root crown. | 2:1 minimum for mature tree removal under the Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance; in-lieu fees accepted at Tree Advisory Board discretion | Ordinance |
| Arvada | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Arvada Land Development Code (Landscape and Tree Preservation) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review during site plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry regardless of size — Arvada's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by Forestry regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Aurora | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Aurora Unified Development Ordinance Section 146 (Landscaping) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review and 1:1 to 2:1 mitigation; street and park trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size; ash species subject to Emerald Ash Borer management — Aurora's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Street and park trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to Emerald Ash Borer management requirements. | 1:1 to 2:1 mitigation based on tree size and condition | Ordinance |
| Centennial | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Centennial Land Development Code (Tree Preservation) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review with retention and mitigation requirements during plat, site plan, and building permit applications — Centennial's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation required during development review. Ash species subject to EAB management. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Folsom | California |
6″ DBH
Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value under the Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance; any tree with 6-inch or greater trunk diameter at 4.5 feet automatically subject to protected-tree review (multi-trunk threshold 20-inch aggregate). |
Any tree with 6+ inch trunk diameter at 4.5 feet. Multi-trunk: 20+ inch aggregate if no single trunk exceeds 6 inches. | 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under the Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance; 24-inch box replacement from approved species list | Ordinance |
| Fort Collins | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Fort Collins Land Use Code Section 3.2.1 (Landscaping and Tree Protection) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger mitigation calculation and replacement requirements based on condition rating and size; public trees regulated by City Forester regardless of size — Fort Collins's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by City Forester regardless of size. Tree preservation standards apply during Land Use Code review. | Mitigation based on condition rating and size (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Golden | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Golden Municipal Code Chapter 11.60 (Forestry) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review during site development review; Forestry Division manages public trees regardless of size; ash species subject to EAB management — Golden's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Forestry Division manages public trees regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management requirements. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Greeley | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Greeley Municipal Code (Forestry and Tree Preservation) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger landscape and tree-preservation plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size — Greeley's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Lakewood | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Lakewood Zoning Ordinance Article 7 (Landscaping and Natural Resources) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review with retention and mitigation requirements; public trees in rights-of-way and parks regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size — Lakewood's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees in rights-of-way and parks regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management requirements. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Longmont | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Longmont Municipal Code Chapter 14.20 (Forestry) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size; commercial tree services must be licensed — Longmont's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Loveland | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Loveland Municipal Code (Forestry and Tree Preservation) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry regardless of size — Loveland's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by Forestry regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management requirements. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Thornton | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Thornton Development Code (Landscape and Tree Preservation) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size — Thornton's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Westminster | Colorado |
6″ DBH
Significant Trees defined under Westminster Municipal Code (Tree Preservation and Forestry) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size — Westminster's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management. | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| Walnut Creek | California |
9″ DBH
Heritage Trees designated by the Design Review Commission and City Council under Walnut Creek Municipal Code Chapter 3-8 for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; any tree with 9-inch or greater diameter (28-inch circumference) measured at 4.5 feet automatically subject to permit review. |
Trees larger than 9 inches diameter (28 inches circumference) at 4.5 feet. | 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under WCMC Chapter 3-8; 2:1 inch-for-inch for heritage trees at Design Review Commission discretion | Ordinance |
| Saratoga | California |
10″ DBH
Heritage Trees designated by City Council under Saratoga Municipal Code Article 15-50 for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; any tree with 10-inch or greater circumference (~3.2 inches diameter) automatically subject to permit review. Native oaks and trees on hillside parcels receive enhanced heritage-level scrutiny. |
Trees with 10+ inches circumference (~3.2 inches dia) or larger are regulated. | 1:1 inch-for-inch replacement for protected tree removal under SMC Article 15-50; tree appraisal valuation accepted in lieu of on-site replanting | Ordinance |
| Mountain View | California |
12″ DBH
Heritage Trees defined automatically by size under Mountain View Municipal Code Chapter 32: any oak, redwood, or cedar with 12-inch or greater circumference (~4 inches diameter), or any other species with 48-inch or greater circumference (~15 inches diameter), measured 54 inches above grade. Heritage status attaches on size threshold without separate Council designation. |
Heritage trees: oaks/redwoods/cedars at 12 inches circumference (~4 inches dia), all others at 48 inches circumference (~15 inches dia). Measured at 54 inches above grade. | 1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under MVMC Chapter 32; 24-inch box replacement from the approved species list | Ordinance |
| Santa Clara | California |
12.1″ DBH
Heritage Trees: any tree meeting the 38-inch circumference threshold, or designated by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. |
Heritage Tree: any tree with 38-inch circumference (~12 inches diameter) or greater measured at 4.5 feet above grade, OR any tree designated by Council. All street trees and trees on public property are protected regardless of size. | 1:1 minimum; 2:1 inch-for-inch for heritage-size specimens | Ordinance |
| Santa Cruz | California |
14″ DBH
Any tree meeting 14 inch DBH threshold is automatically a Heritage Tree. |
Heritage Tree: any tree with 14+ inch trunk diameter at 4.5 feet. All street trees protected regardless of size. | 1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal; 24-inch box replacement from approved species list | Ordinance |
| Pleasanton | California |
17.5″ DBH
Any tree meeting 55 inch circumference or 35 foot height threshold. |
Heritage trees: 55+ inches circumference (~17.5 inches dia) at 4.5 feet, or 35+ feet height. | 1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal; 24-inch box replacement minimum from approved species list | — |
| Fort Worth | Texas |
18″ DBH
Significant trees: 18+ inches DBH. Legacy trees: 30+ inches DBH of eligible native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak). |
Protected tree: any tree 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Significant trees 18+ inches DBH and Legacy trees 30+ inches DBH require enhanced mitigation ratios. | Caliper-inch mitigation: 1:1 for protected trees, 2:1 for significant, 3:1 for legacy | Ordinance |
| Hialeah | Florida |
18″ DBH
Specimen trees ≥18 inch DBH of designated native species per Miami-Dade County Code receive enhanced review; removal prohibited except for hardship, hazard, or approved development. |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Miami-Dade County landscape and tree preservation rules (Chapter 24) also apply within city limits, including enhanced protection for specimen trees (≥18 inch DBH of designated native species) and Environmentally Endangered Lands. | Inch-for-inch replacement with native species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees (2:1 or greater) | Ordinance |
| Miami | Florida |
18″ DBH
Specimen designations per Chapter 17 apply to designated native hardwoods (live oak, bald cypress, gumbo limbo, mahogany) at 18 inch DBH or greater; removal requires demonstrated hardship and a site visit by the City Arborist, with enhanced mitigation (typically 2:1 or greater). |
Tree: any self-supporting woody plant with a single trunk at least 6 inches DBH or multi-trunk at least 10 inches DBH measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen trees (≥18 inches DBH or of rare species) receive enhanced protection and may not be removed without demonstrating hardship. | Mitigation based on DBH: typically inch-for-inch replacement with native species; specimen trees require enhanced mitigation (2:1 or greater) | Ordinance |
| Arlington | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress). |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on non-single-family lots. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced mitigation requirements. | Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Austin | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage Tree: 24 inches or greater DBH of eligible species (oaks, pecan, Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, walnuts). |
Protected-size tree: any tree 19 inches or greater in diameter at 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage Tree: 24 inches or greater diameter for certain species (pecan, Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, all oaks, Arizona walnut, Eastern black walnut). | Inch-for-inch mitigation based on diameter removed | Ordinance |
| Carrollton | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak). |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on commercial and multifamily development. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection regardless of location. | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | Ordinance |
| Chapel Hill | North Carolina |
24″ DBH
Specimen/heritage trees ≥24 inch DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) §5.7 Tree Protection governs tree preservation on all development sites including residential subdivisions. Significant trees: ≥8 inches DBH. Specimen/heritage trees: ≥24 inches DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance. Rural Buffer and Resource Conservation District overlays add enhanced tree protection. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios for specimen/heritage trees per LUMO §5.7 | Ordinance |
| College Station | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress). |
Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced protection. | Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Denton | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak). Historic trees individually designated by the city. |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage and historic trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced protection. | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | Ordinance |
| Dublin | California |
24″ DBH
Heritage Trees defined under Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.60: any tree with 24-inch or greater trunk diameter (75.36-inch circumference) at 4.5 feet automatically qualifies, plus oaks, California buckeyes, and additional native species at lower thresholds. Designation by City Council also available for exceptional historical or community significance. |
Heritage trees: 24+ inches diameter (75.36 inches circumference) at 4.5 feet, plus certain species. | 1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under DMC Chapter 5.60; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible | Ordinance |
| Durham | North Carolina |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: ≥24 inch DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance; enhanced mitigation required for removal. Historic Overlay District (HOD) Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Durham Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) §9.8 Tree Protection regulates significant trees and heritage trees on all non-single-family-residential development sites. Significant trees: ≥12 inches DBH for most species. Heritage trees: ≥24 inches DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance designated by the City/County Arborist. Historic Overlay District (HOD) and Neighborhood Protection Overlay (NPO) provisions add enhanced tree protection in regulated districts. Durham operates under a joint City-County planning framework so Durham County tree provisions also apply within city limits on qualifying sites. | Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per UDO §9.8 | Ordinance |
| Frisco | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage tree provisions apply to trees 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress). |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on commercial and multifamily lots. Single-family residential parcels subject to limited protection per subdivision standards. | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH with on-site preference | Ordinance |
| Garland | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress). |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on commercial and multifamily development. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced protection. | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | Ordinance |
| Hayward | California |
24″ DBH
Heritage Trees: any tree 24+ inches DBH regardless of species, or trees designated by City Council for historical/cultural significance. |
Protected Tree: any tree 6+ inches DBH on vacant/underdeveloped lots and developed lots subject to new development or discretionary review. Native oaks, California Sycamore, and Big Leaf Maple protected at 4+ inches DBH. Ordinance overhauled August 2025 to broaden protection. | 1:1 for protected trees; 2:1 for heritage trees; caliper-inch mitigation option for large trees | Ordinance |
| Irving | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress). |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage-size trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced protection during development. | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | Ordinance |
| McKinney | Texas |
24″ DBH
Historic trees designated by the city and heritage-size trees (24+ inches DBH) of qualifying native species receive enhanced protection. |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Historic and heritage trees receive enhanced protection regardless of size. | Caliper-inch replacement on-site or Tree Mitigation Fund payment | Ordinance |
| Richardson | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress). |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced mitigation requirements. | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | Ordinance |
| Round Rock | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native Central Texas species (live oak, post oak, cedar elm, pecan, bald cypress, bur oak). |
Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH) receive enhanced protection. | Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| San Antonio | Texas |
24″ DBH
Heritage tree: 24+ inches DBH for eligible native species (oaks, pecan, cedar elm, bald cypress). |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees include oaks, elms, pecans, and cypress meeting higher diameter thresholds. | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation | Ordinance |
| Wake Forest | North Carolina |
24″ DBH
Significant/heritage trees ≥24 inch DBH or designated by the Town Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Town of Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) tree protection and Tree Conservation Area standards govern tree preservation on all development sites including residential subdivisions. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified inside Tree Conservation Areas require preservation; significant trees ≥24 inches DBH receive enhanced protection. Historic District overlay adds enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for significant/heritage trees per Wake Forest UDO | Ordinance |
| Tallahassee | Florida |
27″ DBH
Heritage and patriarch designations per the Tallahassee-Leon County Environmental Management Act and City Code Chapter 5 apply to live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥27 inch DBH, southern magnolia, bald cypress, and other designated native hardwoods; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. |
Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater. Heritage/patriarch trees: live oak ≥27 inch DBH and designated species receive heightened protection. Leon County Environmental Management Act also applies city-wide. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for patriarch/heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Elk Grove | California |
30″ DBH
Heritage Trees: any tree designated by City Council for size, age, historical significance, or community value; automatic designation for native oaks 30+ inches DSH. |
Native Tree: any native oak with 6+ inch DSH (single trunk) or 10+ inch aggregate DSH (multi-trunk) at 4.5 feet. Heritage Trees: any tree designated by City Council, or any native oak 30+ inches DSH. | Inch-for-inch replacement up to a cap; 3:1 count-based for heritage native oaks | Ordinance |
| Gainesville | Florida |
30″ DBH
Heritage designations per Section 30-7 apply to live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥30 inch DBH, bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), and other designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. |
Regulated tree: 8 inches DBH or greater on residential and commercial property. Heritage trees: live oak ≥30 inch DBH and designated native species receive heightened protection. Development sites require tree survey and preservation plan. | Inch-for-inch mitigation; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Jacksonville | Florida |
30″ DBH
Heritage designations per Chapter 656 Part 12: live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥30 inch DBH and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) ≥24 inch DBH receive heightened protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation (2:1 or greater). |
Protected tree: any tree 8 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees: live oaks 30 inches DBH or greater and bald cypress 24 inches DBH or greater receive heightened protection. Public trees in rights-of-way are regulated regardless of size. | Inch-for-inch mitigation (1:1 replacement DBH) for standard protected trees; 2:1 or greater for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Tampa | Florida |
34″ DBH
Grand tree designations per Chapter 13: 34 inches DBH or greater (or specified heritage species — live oak, bald cypress, mahogany — at lower thresholds) receive heightened protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. |
Protected tree: any tree 5 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Grand tree: 34 inches DBH or greater, or specified heritage species at lower thresholds. Public trees regulated regardless of size. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for grand trees | Ordinance |
| Thousand Oaks | California |
36″ DBH
Heritage Oaks: any oak tree 36+ inches DBH. Additional Heritage designation by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. |
Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance protects all oak trees 2+ inches DBH (single trunk) or 4+ inches DBH aggregate (multi-trunk). Heritage Oaks (36+ inches DBH) receive enhanced protection. California Sycamore and other native trees also protected. | 2:1 for oaks; 10:1 or inch-for-inch mitigation for Heritage Oaks | Ordinance |
| Redwood City | California |
38″ DBH
Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; any tree with 38-inch or greater circumference (12 inches diameter) measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground automatically subject to permit review under the Tree Preservation Ordinance. |
All trees on private property exceeding 38 inches circumference (12 inches dia) measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground. | 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under the Tree Preservation Ordinance; in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible | Ordinance |
| Beverly Hills | California |
48″ DBH
Heritage Trees defined under Beverly Hills Municipal Code Article 29: any tree with DBH greater than 48 inches automatically qualifies, plus 16 native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives) protected at lower thresholds. Additional landmark designation available by City Council action for exceptional historical or community significance. |
All trees with DBH greater than 48 inches. Additionally 16 native species at lower thresholds. | 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under BHMC Article 29; higher ratios for landmark and heritage native designations at Council discretion | Ordinance |
| San Luis Obispo | California |
48″ DBH
Heritage Oaks: any standalone oak 48+ inches DBH. |
Native trees 10+ inches DBH, non-native 20+ inches DBH, palms 12+ inches DBH. Heritage Oaks: 48+ inches DBH require Minor Use Permit. | 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under SLOMC 12.24; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Oaks (48+ inch DBH) at Minor Use Permit discretion | Ordinance |
| Anaheim | California |
Heritage/Landmark Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. |
All street trees, parkway trees, and trees on public property are protected regardless of size. Development-related tree preservation applies to boundary trees and designated landscape trees per the Zoning Code. | 1:1 minimum for street/parkway trees; development mitigation per approved landscape plan | Ordinance |
| Apex | North Carolina |
Specimen/heritage trees designated by the Town Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic Overlay District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Town of Apex Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) tree protection and landscape standards govern tree preservation on all development sites. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Historic Overlay District provisions add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Apex, like neighboring Cary and Raleigh in Wake County, relies on Tree Conservation Area principles for residential subdivisions over threshold acreage. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Apex UDO | Ordinance |
| Asheville | North Carolina |
Heritage trees designated by the Asheville Tree Commission or City Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Asheville City Code Chapter 7 Article XI (Tree Protection) and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulate tree preservation on development sites and establish heritage-tree protection citywide. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH on commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development sites require preservation or mitigation. Heritage trees: designated specimens of exceptional size, age, or historical significance receive enhanced protection. Steep Slope Overlay and River Arts District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 7 Article XI | Ordinance |
| Ashland | Oregon |
Heritage Tree designation by Tree Commission for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees designated separately. Tree Preservation and Protection chapter governs removal citywide. | 1:1 to 2:1 mitigation based on tree category | Ordinance |
| Beaverton | Oregon |
Heritage Tree designation for exceptional size, species, or community significance. |
Significant tree: 10 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees designated separately. Tree preservation required during development. | Based on retention percentage and mitigation standards | Ordinance |
| Bellevue | Washington |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, historical significance, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DSH for evergreens, 8+ inches DSH for deciduous. Landmark trees designated separately for exceptional size or significance. | Based on tree significance tier and site retention requirements | Ordinance |
| Bellingham | Washington |
Heritage tree program recognizes individual trees of exceptional community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, or significance. | — | Ordinance |
| Boca Raton | Florida |
Historic and specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Bothell | Washington |
Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for conifers, 8+ inches DBH for deciduous. Heritage trees designated for exceptional significance, size, or historical association. | Based on retention percentage (typically 35% for residential) | Ordinance |
| Boulder | Colorado |
Boulder Revised Code Chapter 6-6 (Forestry) establishes Forestry Division authority over all public trees on rights-of-way, parks, and open space regardless of size; private-property trees subject to landscape and development preservation review at one of the most stringent DBH thresholds in Colorado — Boulder's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation. (Numeric protected-tree threshold stored separately in the protected_tree_dbh_threshold field.) |
Public trees (rights-of-way, parks, open space) regulated regardless of size. On private property, trees subject to landscape and development review. Forestry Division has authority over all public trees. | Based on tree category and site-specific review | Ordinance |
| Buckeye | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks and Recreation. |
Buckeye Zoning Ordinance landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. Arizona Native Plant Law applies to undeveloped private land. | Landscape-code replacement per Buckeye landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Burbank | California |
Landmark Trees and Heritage Trees designated by City Council based on exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, aesthetic significance, or community value. |
Protected Tree: all street trees and trees on public property regardless of size; native trees (oaks, California sycamore, California bay) 6+ inches DBH on private property; Landmark and Heritage trees designated by City Council. | 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Landmark/Heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Campbell | California |
Significant/Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. |
Protected Tree: any tree with 38-inch circumference (~12 inches diameter) or greater at 4.5 feet above grade; all trees on public property and street trees regardless of size; Heritage/Significant Trees designated by Council. | 1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage/Significant Trees | Ordinance |
| Cape Coral | Florida |
Specimen designations apply to large native hardwoods; removal requires enhanced justification and mitigation. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen tree designations apply to designated native species and large canopy trees. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species | Ordinance |
| Carlsbad | California |
Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value per the City Tree Ordinance. |
Protected Tree: all street trees and trees in public parks or on public property regardless of size; native trees (oaks, California Sycamore) and Heritage Trees on private property. Development projects require tree preservation per the Landscape Manual. | 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and protected natives | Ordinance |
| Cary | North Carolina |
Specimen/heritage trees designated by the Town Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic Overlay District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Town of Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO) §7.2 Tree Protection and §7.3 Landscape and Buffer Yards govern tree preservation on all development sites. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Cary is one of the most stringent NC tree-protection regimes: tree preservation is required on residential subdivisions as well as non-residential sites, with required tree-save areas by zoning district. Historic Overlay District (HOD) provisions add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per LDO §7.2 | Ordinance |
| Chandler | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Street and park trees regulated by Community Services. Native plant inventory may be required in desert-character zones. |
Chandler Unified Development Manual / City Code Chapter 35 (Zoning) landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based at development submittal rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Chandler landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Charlotte | North Carolina |
Specimen/heritage trees designated by the City Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. The city maintains a Historic Tree list of designated specimens. |
Charlotte Tree Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21) regulates tree preservation and planting on commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development sites. Protected large trees ≥8 inches DBH and specimen/heritage trees designated by the City Arborist receive enhanced review. Single-family residential lots are generally exempt from the removal permit except where heritage-tree or tree-save-area overlays apply. The Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance also applies to qualifying sites within Charlotte and provides tree-save-area standards. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios (2:1 or greater) for specimen/heritage trees per Tree Ordinance | Ordinance |
| Claremont | California |
Heritage Trees designated by City Council based on recommendations of the Community and Human Services Commission for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. |
Known as the "City of Trees and PhDs." Protected Tree: all street trees and trees on public property regardless of size; native trees (oaks, sycamores) 8+ inches DBH on private property. Heritage Trees designated by City Council. | 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and protected natives | Ordinance |
| Clearwater | Florida |
Heritage and specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage/specimen designations apply to designated native species at enhanced thresholds. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Concord | California |
Heritage Trees designated by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical significance, or community value; automatic designation for riparian trees meeting threshold in creek/stream corridors. |
Protected Tree: any tree 6+ inches DBH within the structural setback of creeks or streams, any native oak 6+ inches DBH city-wide, and heritage trees designated by Council. Street trees on public property are protected regardless of size. | 1:1 minimum; 2:1 for heritage trees or native oaks | Ordinance |
| Concord | North Carolina |
Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist or landscape reviewer receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. |
Concord Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Specimen trees designated at site plan review receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards | Ordinance |
| Coral Springs | Florida |
Specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen designations apply to large native hardwoods. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Corvallis | Oregon |
Heritage Tree Program designates trees for exceptional size, species, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection. Native Oregon white oak and other native species of particular concern. | — | Ordinance |
| Cupertino | California |
Heritage Trees designated by Council, Planning Commission, or Director based on exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. |
Protected Tree Ordinance regulates 12 specific species (6 native oaks plus Big Leaf Maple, Deodar Cedar, Monterey Pine, California Buckeye, Western Sycamore, Blue Atlas Cedar) at 10+ inches DBH. Species-based rather than general size-based protection. Heritage Trees designated regardless of size. | 1:1 to 3:1 depending on tree size and significance; inch-for-inch mitigation for Heritage Trees | Ordinance |
| Dallas | Texas |
Historic trees designated by the City Council for exceptional age, size, or significance. |
Protected tree: any tree 8 inches caliper or greater. Article X of Development Code governs tree preservation during development. | Inch-for-inch caliper replacement or mitigation payment | Ordinance |
| Davis | California |
Landmark Trees designated by City Council or Tree Commission for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. Tree City USA community since 1978. |
Protected Tree: any tree on public property, all street trees regardless of size, and designated Landmark Trees on private property. Native oaks, Valley Oak, and other heritage native species 5+ inches DBH protected city-wide on development sites. | 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Landmark Trees and heritage native oaks | Ordinance |
| Daytona Beach | Florida |
Historic and specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Delray Beach | Florida |
Historic and specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic/specimen trees receive heightened protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Edmonds | Washington |
Landmark trees designated under Edmonds Community Development Code 23.10 (Tree Regulations) for exceptional size, character, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Landmark trees designated for exceptional size or character. | — | Ordinance |
| Eugene | Oregon |
Heritage Tree Program recognizes individual trees for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 8 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection. Tree preservation standards apply during land use review. | Inch-for-inch caliper replacement on site or payment to tree fund | Ordinance |
| Fayetteville | North Carolina |
Specimen/heritage trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Fayetteville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) landscape and tree preservation standards require tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥12 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. The city maintains Historic District overlays with enhanced tree protection requirements. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per UDO landscape and tree preservation standards | Ordinance |
| Federal Way | Washington |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Tree retention required during development per tree units per acre standard. Landmark trees receive enhanced protection. | Based on tree unit standard per acre and replacement schedule | Ordinance |
| Flagstaff | Arizona |
Resource Protection Standards assign preservation priority to larger-diameter ponderosa pine and specimen trees identified during Forest Resource Inventory. No separate DBH-based heritage-tree designation; the inventory framework substitutes. |
Flagstaff Zoning Code Division 10-50.60 (Resource Protection Standards) requires Forest Resource Inventory and preservation for development in ponderosa pine forest. Tree preservation standards apply to all qualifying sites; replacement required for removed qualifying trees. This is a distinct sub-regime from Sonoran-desert Arizona cities: the protected canopy is ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) at 4-6 inch DBH and larger rather than native desert species. | Caliper-inch mitigation per Division 10-50.60 for removed qualifying trees; preservation percentages by zone | Ordinance |
| Fort Lauderdale | Florida |
Specimen and historic designations per Section 47-21 apply to designated large native species (live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, and others) at enhanced DBH thresholds; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. Broward County Code Chapter 27 standards also apply. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen/historic tree designations apply to designated large and native species. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Fort Myers | Florida |
Specimen and historic designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen trees receive enhanced protection. Mangrove removal separately regulated by state rule under FL Statute 403.9321-9333. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Gilbert | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks and Recreation. |
Gilbert Land Development Code (LDC) Article 4 landscape regulations govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based at development submittal rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Gilbert landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Glendale | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks, Recreation and Community Enrichment. |
Glendale Zoning Ordinance landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based at development submittal rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Glendale landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Glendale | California |
Indigenous Trees designated under Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 12.44 — California Live Oak, Valley Oak, California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay, Toyon, and California Juniper receive automatic heritage-level protection regardless of size, with additional landmark designation available by City Council action for exceptional age, historical significance, or community value. |
Indigenous (protected) trees. No pruning cut larger than 2 inches without permit. Topping prohibited. Over 25% foliage pruning prohibited without permit. | 1:1 minimum for indigenous tree removal under GMC 12.44; replacement species drawn from the approved Glendale native species list | Ordinance |
| Goodyear | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks and Recreation. |
Goodyear Zoning Ordinance landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Goodyear landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Greensboro | North Carolina |
Champion trees and specimen trees designated by the City Arborist or listed on the Champion Tree Registry receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. |
Greensboro Land Development Ordinance (LDO) tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Greensboro maintains a Champion Tree Registry (designated specimen trees) receiving enhanced protection. Public street trees regulated regardless of development category. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for champion/specimen trees per LDO tree preservation standards | Ordinance |
| Gresham | Oregon |
Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation standards apply during land use review. Heritage trees designated separately. | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation | Ordinance |
| Hickory | North Carolina |
Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist or landscape reviewer receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Hickory Land Development Code landscape and tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Hickory Land Development Code | Ordinance |
| High Point | North Carolina |
Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. |
High Point Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Specimen trees designated at site plan review receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards | Ordinance |
| Hillsboro | Oregon |
Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation required during land use review. Heritage and historic trees designated separately. | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | Ordinance |
| Hollywood | Florida |
Specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen tree designations apply to designated native species. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Huntersville | North Carolina |
Specimen/heritage trees designated at site plan review receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. |
Huntersville Zoning Ordinance tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH require preservation or mitigation. The Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance also applies to qualifying sites within Huntersville and provides tree-save-area standards for commercial/multi-family development. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Huntersville Zoning Ordinance and Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance | Ordinance |
| Irvine | California |
Designated windrow trees and landmark trees identified through the General Plan/Open Space element receive heritage-level protection. |
Trees in the public right-of-way, parking lot trees and boundary trees required by the Zoning Ordinance, and eucalyptus windrows designated for preservation. Private residential yard trees generally not regulated outside of development review. | 1:1 minimum; windrow trees replaced in-kind per approved landscape plan | Ordinance |
| Issaquah | Washington |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for conifers, 8+ inches DBH for deciduous. Landmark trees designated separately for exceptional size or historical significance. | Based on retention percentage (typically 30-35% for residential) | Ordinance |
| Kannapolis | North Carolina |
Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist or landscape reviewer receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. |
Kannapolis Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Kannapolis Development Ordinance | Ordinance |
| Kent | Washington |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Tree retention required during development. Landmark trees designated separately for exceptional significance. | Based on retention percentage; on-site replacement preferred | Ordinance |
| Kirkland | Washington |
Landmark trees designated by the city for size, species, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for conifers, 10+ inches DBH for deciduous. Landmark trees designated for exceptional significance. | 2:1 replacement for significant tree removal | Ordinance |
| Lacey | Washington |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Tree retention required during development per zoning code. Landmark trees designated separately for exceptional size or significance. | Based on retention percentage and tree unit standard | Ordinance |
| Lake Oswego | Oregon |
Heritage Tree designation for exceptional size, species, age, or historical association. |
Regulated tree: 5 inches DBH or greater on most properties. Heritage trees designated separately for exceptional significance. Sensitive Lands overlay adds additional restrictions. | Based on tree size category and reason for removal | Ordinance |
| Lakeland | Florida |
Heritage designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak, bald cypress, and other native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 5 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees and designated native species receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Long Beach | California |
Heritage Trees designated by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commission based on exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or aesthetic significance. |
All street/parkway trees and trees on public property are protected. Heritage Trees designated by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commission receive enhanced protection regardless of location. | 1:1 minimum for parkway trees; enhanced ratios for Heritage trees at Commission discretion | Ordinance |
| Los Angeles | California |
Any tree designated as a Historic-Cultural Monument by the Cultural Heritage Commission. |
Any Southern California native tree species measuring 4 inches or more in cumulative diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. Protected species include native oaks, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay, Toyon, Mexican Elderberry. | 2:1 for protected trees (varies by size) | Ordinance |
| Los Gatos | California |
Heritage Trees designated by Town Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; trees on hillside parcels receive heritage-level protection regardless of size. |
Protected Tree: native trees (oaks, redwoods, California Sycamore, California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple) 4+ inches DBH; all other species 8+ inches DBH. All trees on hillside parcels and all street trees protected regardless of size. Heritage Trees designated by Council. | 2:1 inch-for-inch for native trees; 1:1 for non-native protected trees; higher ratios for Heritage Trees | Ordinance |
| Matthews | North Carolina |
Specimen/heritage trees designated at site plan review by the Town Arborist or landscape reviewer receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Town of Matthews Zoning Ordinance tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH require preservation or mitigation. The Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance also applies to qualifying sites within Matthews and provides tree-save-area standards. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Matthews Zoning Ordinance and Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance | Ordinance |
| Melbourne | Florida |
Historic and specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Menlo Park | California |
Heritage trees designated for health, size, species rarity, and community significance per Municipal Code Chapter 13.24. |
Heritage Tree: any tree with 47.75-inch circumference (~15.3 inches diameter) at 54 inches above natural grade, OR any oak 31.5-inch circumference (~10 inches diameter), OR trees of any size designated by Council. Ordinance in effect since 1979. | 2:1 minimum for heritage tree removal (by inch or by count per Arborist determination) | Ordinance |
| Mercer Island | Washington |
Exceptional trees designated under Mercer Island City Code 19.10 (Tree Code) at diameter thresholds higher than the significant-tree minimum, recognizing trees of exceptional size, species, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for conifers, 8+ for deciduous. Exceptional trees at higher diameter. | — | Ordinance |
| Mesa | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities for right-of-way and park work. |
Mesa Zoning Ordinance Title 11 Chapter 30 (Design Standards) and Chapter 11-31 (Landscape) govern landscape, tree preservation, and replacement standards during development review. No dedicated private tree removal permit ordinance for existing residential parcels; regulation is landscape-plan-based at development submittal. | Landscape-code replacement per Mesa landscape standards (site-specific by zone) | Ordinance |
| Miramar | Florida |
Specimen designations apply per Broward County code at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Landscape preservation standards during development review. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Mooresville | North Carolina |
Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the Town Arborist or landscape reviewer receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Mooresville Zoning Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Mooresville Zoning Ordinance | Ordinance |
| Naples | Florida |
Specimen and historic designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic/specimen trees receive enhanced protection. Mangrove removal separately regulated by state rule under FL Statute 403.9321-9333. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Oakland | California |
Heritage Trees designated by Planning Commission. |
Coast Live Oaks 4+ inches DBH. Other species (except eucalyptus/Monterey pine) 9+ inches DBH. | 1:1 minimum for protected coast live oak removal; replacement species and ratio for other protected trees set as a permit condition by the city arborist | Ordinance |
| Ocala | Florida |
Heritage designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak and other designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 5 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees designated for live oak and other native canopy species receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Olympia | Washington |
Landmark trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, species, or historical significance. |
Protected tree: 8+ inches DBH. Landmark trees designated separately by City Council. | — | Ordinance |
| Oregon City | Oregon |
Tree preservation framework under Oregon City Municipal Code Chapter 17.41 (Protection of Trees) applies to significant trees on development sites; heritage-level protection accrues to trees of exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance designated through the chapter's preservation provisions. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation required during land use review. | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | Ordinance |
| Orlando | Florida |
Historic and specimen designations per Chapter 60 apply to designated large native species (live oak, bald cypress, and others); removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic/specimen trees (large live oak, bald cypress, and designated specimens) receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with native or approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Oro Valley | Arizona |
Protected native plants are inventoried and assigned preservation, transplant, or salvage status under the Native Plant Preservation Plan. No separate DBH-based heritage program. |
Oro Valley Zoning Code Chapter 27 (Native Plant Preservation) and Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) Overlay District require a Native Plant Preservation Plan for development on sites with protected native plants. Upper Sonoran desert plant palette dominates. Native plants must be preserved in place, transplanted, or salvaged per the preservation plan. | Chapter 27 establishes preservation-in-place percentages and transplant/replacement standards; replacement required when preservation infeasible | Ordinance |
| Palo Alto | California |
Heritage trees designated by City Council for exceptional significance. |
Species-specific DBH: 11.5 inches for natives (oaks, maples, cedars), 18 inches for Coast Redwoods, 15 inches for all others. All street trees protected. | Per Table 3-1 in Technical Manual Section 3.02 | Ordinance |
| Pasadena | California |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, age, species rarity, or significance. |
All oak trees and most other trees with DBH of 6+ inches on private property. Categories: mature, landmark, native, specimen trees. | 2:1 minimum for protected trees; higher ratios (3:1+) for landmark and native specimen trees at Council discretion | Ordinance |
| Pembroke Pines | Florida |
Specimen and heritage designations apply per Broward County code at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. Specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Pensacola | Florida |
Heritage designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak and other designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees: live oak and designated native species at enhanced thresholds receive heightened protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Peoria | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Community Services / Parks. |
Peoria Zoning Ordinance landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Peoria landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Phoenix | Arizona |
No formal municipal heritage-tree designation. Street trees in the right-of-way are regulated by Parks and Recreation / Street Transportation. Native plants on development sites receive inventory and preservation review under landscape standards. |
No citywide DBH-based private tree removal permit. Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 507 (Landscape and Buffer Standards) governs required landscape plantings and preservation during development review. Native Plant Preservation requirements apply in designated zones (e.g., Desert Preservation overlays) where saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, and ocotillo must be inventoried and preserved or transplanted. Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) applies to private undeveloped land statewide regardless of municipal code. | Landscape code-based replacement (site-specific by zone and project type); salvaged native plants reused on-site where feasible | Ordinance |
| Plano | Texas |
Historic trees designated by the city for exceptional character, size, or association. |
Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Historic/Heritage trees receive additional protection regardless of size. | Caliper-inch replacement with on-site preference | Ordinance |
| Plantation | Florida |
Specimen designations apply per Broward County code at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen tree designations apply to designated native species. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Pompano Beach | Florida |
Specimen designations apply per Broward County code at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. Specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Port St. Lucie | Florida |
Specimen and historic designations apply at enhanced thresholds for native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved development with mitigation. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic/specimen trees designated by the city receive enhanced protection, including designated live oaks and large native canopy species. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Portland | Oregon |
Heritage Tree designation by City Council for exceptional size, species, age, historical association, or community value. Removal requires Council approval. |
Any tree 6 inches DBH or greater is regulated on most private property under Title 11. Street trees of any size require city approval. Heritage Trees designated by City Council receive enhanced protection regardless of size. | 1:1 to 3:1 depending on tree size and reason for removal; in-lieu fees to Tree Planting and Preservation Fund available | Ordinance |
| Prescott | Arizona |
Larger-diameter ponderosa pine and specimen trees identified during site plan review receive preservation priority. Heritage designation may apply to trees of exceptional size, age, or historical significance at Planning and Zoning Commission discretion. |
Prescott Land Development Code landscape and tree preservation provisions govern tree preservation during development review. Ponderosa pine country sub-regime applies: Pinus ponderosa and Gambel oak are the dominant protected canopy species. Tree preservation required during site plan approval; replacement required for removed qualifying trees. | Caliper-inch or DBH-inch mitigation for removed qualifying trees per Land Development Code | Ordinance |
| Queen Creek | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks and Recreation. |
Queen Creek Zoning Ordinance landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Queen Creek landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Raleigh | North Carolina |
Champion trees and heritage trees identified by the City Arborist or maintained on the city's heritage-tree registry receive enhanced review; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic Overlay District Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) §9.1 Tree Conservation requires Tree Conservation Areas (TCA) on most residential lots ≥2 acres and on all non-residential development sites. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified inside TCAs must be preserved unless removal is approved through site plan review. Champion and heritage trees (≥30 inch DBH for most species, lower for designated species) receive enhanced protection. Historic Overlay District (HOD) overlays add additional tree preservation requirements for regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for champion/heritage trees per UDO §9.1 | Ordinance |
| Renton | Washington |
Landmark trees designated under Renton Municipal Code 4-4-130 (Tree Retention and Land Clearing) for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Landmark trees receive enhanced protection. | Based on retention percentage (typically 30% for single-family) | Ordinance |
| Riverside | California |
Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. County oaks automatically protected at the size threshold. |
City Heritage Trees designated by Council, all trees on public property and street trees regardless of size. County Oak Tree Ordinance (Ord. 559) protects native oaks 2+ inches DBH on parcels over 0.5 acres at 5,000+ feet elevation in unincorporated Riverside County. | 3:1 for native oaks under county ordinance; 2:1 for city Heritage Trees; 1:1 for street trees | Ordinance |
| Sacramento | California |
Trees designated by City Council for outstanding historical, ecological, or aesthetic significance. |
City trees, private protected trees (large trees, native oaks, sycamores, buckeyes). Native oaks with 6+ inch DBH or multi-trunked with 10+ inch aggregate. | 1:1 based on DBH of tree removed | Ordinance |
| Salem | Oregon |
Heritage Tree Program designates individual trees for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees designated separately by the city. Street trees protected regardless of size. | Based on tree category and site retention requirements | Ordinance |
| Sammamish | Washington |
Landmark trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for evergreen species, 8+ inches DBH for deciduous species. Landmark trees designated separately for exceptional size or significance. Retention requirements vary by zone and lot size. | Based on retention percentage (typically 30-35% for residential, varies by zone) | Ordinance |
| San Diego | California |
Heritage/Landmark Trees designated for historical, ecological, or community significance. |
Public trees with 8+ inch caliper at 4 feet. Also Landmark, Heritage, Parkway Resource, Preservation Grove, and Street Trees. | 100% of assessed tree value | Ordinance |
| San Francisco | California |
Landmark Trees designated by Board of Supervisors for age, size, species rarity, location, or historical association. |
Street trees and Significant Trees on private property within 10 feet of public right-of-way. Landmark Trees designated by Board of Supervisors. | 1:1 minimum for street trees | Ordinance |
| San Jose | California |
Heritage trees designated by City Council for size, age, species rarity, or historical significance. |
Ordinance-size: single trunk 38+ inches circumference (~12.1 inches diameter) at 4.5 feet. Multi-trunk combined 38+ inches. On multifamily/commercial lots, ANY tree requires permit. | 1:1 (one 15-gallon tree per permitted tree removed) | Ordinance |
| San Mateo | California |
Significant Trees designated for exceptional size, age, species rarity, ecological value, or historical association under the San Mateo County Tree Ordinance; indigenous oak, madrone, and California buckeye receive automatic protection at the indigenous-tree threshold regardless of size. |
All trees 12.1+ inches diameter at 4.5 feet. Indigenous trees (oak, madrone, buckeye) at lower threshold. | 1:1 minimum for protected indigenous trees under the County Tree Ordinance; in-lieu fees to the County Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible | Ordinance |
| Santa Barbara | California |
Specimen Trees and Historic Trees designated by the Street Tree Advisory Committee or Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical significance, or community value. |
City Tree Preservation Ordinance protects all public/street trees and designated Specimen and Historic trees on private property. Santa Barbara County Oak Tree Protection Ordinance protects native oaks on agricultural-zoned land outside the Coastal Zone. | 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Specimen/Historic and protected oaks | Ordinance |
| Santa Monica | California |
Heritage and Specimen Trees designated by the City Council under Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; designation applies only to trees on public property within the City's jurisdiction. |
Public trees only. No jurisdiction over private property trees. DSH measured at 4 feet 6 inches. | In-kind replacement for palms; replanting required | Ordinance |
| Sarasota | Florida |
Grand tree designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak, bald cypress, mahogany, and other designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved development with enhanced mitigation. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Grand trees: designated large native species receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for grand trees | Ordinance |
| Scottsdale | Arizona |
Protected native plants inventoried under ESLO receive preservation-in-place, transplant, or replacement designations. No separate DBH-based heritage program. |
Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance Article VI — Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) — applies to upper Sonoran desert lands and requires native plant inventory, preservation, and transplant for applicable projects. General landscape standards apply citywide. The Native Plant Ordinance protects saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, ocotillo, and other desert species on development sites. | ESLO sets preservation percentages and transplant requirements by plant category; on-site replacement required when preservation infeasible | Ordinance |
| Seattle | Washington |
Heritage Trees designated by Seattle Heritage Tree Program for exceptional size, species, historical, or cultural significance. |
Tier 1 (Exceptional): trees 24+ inches DSH or rare species. Tier 2: 12-23.9 inches DSH. Tier 3: 6-11.9 inches DSH. Tier 4: under 6 inches DSH. All trees 6+ inches DSH regulated during development on private property. | Tier-based replacement (2:1 to 3:1 depending on tree tier) | Ordinance |
| Shoreline | Washington |
Landmark trees designated under Shoreline Municipal Code 20.50 (Tree Conservation) for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH for conifers, 8+ for deciduous. Landmark trees designated separately. | — | Ordinance |
| Sierra Vista | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks and Leisure. |
Sierra Vista City Code Title 151 (Development Code) landscape and native plant preservation provisions govern landscape and tree standards during development review. High-elevation desert plant palette (mesquite, oak species, juniper) is typical. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Sierra Vista landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Spokane | Washington |
Heritage trees designated for age, size, species rarity, or historical significance. |
Heritage tree program and street tree protection. Urban Forestry Division manages public trees. | — | Ordinance |
| St. Petersburg | Florida |
Heritage and specimen designations per Chapter 16 apply to live oak, bald cypress, mahogany, and other designated native species at enhanced DBH thresholds; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees: specified native species at enhanced thresholds receive heightened protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | Ordinance |
| Stockton | California |
Heritage Oak trees designated under Municipal Code Chapter 16.130. |
Heritage Oak trees protected regardless of location or condition. Street trees require permit for removal or relocation. | 3:1 for heritage trees, 1:1 for street trees | Ordinance |
| Sunnyvale | California |
Heritage Trees designated by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; automatic designation for specific native species at any size. |
Protected Tree: any tree with 38-inch circumference (~12 inches diameter) or greater at 4.5 feet; all oaks, redwoods, cedars, native bay, and native buckeye at any size; all street trees and trees on public property regardless of size. | 1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and specimen natives | Ordinance |
| Sunrise | Florida |
Specimen designations apply per Broward County code at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. Specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Surprise | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Community and Recreation Services. |
Surprise Municipal Development Code / Zoning Ordinance landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. | Landscape-code replacement per Surprise landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Tacoma | Washington |
Heritage Tree Program recognizes individual trees for exceptional size, age, species, or historical association. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, or historical significance. | 1:1 on-site or mitigation payment | Ordinance |
| Tempe | Arizona |
Significant trees identified at site plan review by staff arborist or landscape architect receive preservation or enhanced mitigation requirements. No formal heritage-tree designation. |
Tempe Zoning and Development Code (ZDC) Part 4 Chapter 8 (Landscape Standards) governs landscape, tree preservation, and replacement during development review. Significant trees identified during site plan review may require preservation or mitigation. No universal DBH-based private tree removal permit outside development. | Caliper-inch replacement or mitigation for significant tree removal during development (site-specific) | Ordinance |
| Tigard | Oregon |
Heritage Tree Program recognizes trees for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees designated separately. Urban Forestry Program manages street trees regardless of size. | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | Ordinance |
| Torrance | California |
Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, aesthetic significance, or community value. |
All street trees, parkway trees, and trees on public property are protected regardless of size. Designated Heritage Trees on private property also protected. | 1:1 minimum for street/parkway trees; 2:1 for Heritage Trees | Ordinance |
| Tucson | Arizona |
Protected native plants are inventoried and assigned preservation, transplant, or salvage status per UDC 7.6. No separate heritage designation; the native-plant preservation framework substitutes for a DBH-based heritage program. |
Tucson Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 7.6 (Landscaping, Screening and Native Plant Preservation) requires a Native Plant Preservation Plan (NPPP) for development on sites with protected native plants. All new development subject to landscape and native plant inventory. No universal DBH threshold — protection is species- and site-based under the Sonoran desert plant list. | UDC 7.6 establishes preservation-in-place percentages and transplant/replacement standards; replacement required when preservation is not feasible | Ordinance |
| Vancouver | Washington |
Heritage tree program recognizes trees of exceptional size, species, or community value. |
Significant tree: 6+ inches DBH. Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, or historical significance. | — | Ordinance |
| Ventura | California |
Trees with historical designation of any species. |
Native trees 6+ inches DBH or 8+ inches combined for multi-trunk. Oaks/sycamores 9.5+ inches circumference. Any species 90+ inches circumference. | 1:1 minimum for protected native tree removal under the Tree Protection Ordinance; 2:1 for trees with historical designation | Ordinance |
| West Hollywood | California |
Significant Trees designated by Council or Urban Design and Preservation Commission for age, size, species rarity, historical association, or cultural significance. |
Protected Tree: any tree 6+ inches DBH on private property, and all oak species regardless of size. All street trees and trees on public property are protected regardless of size. | 2:1 for protected trees; higher ratios for heritage/significant trees at Commission discretion | Ordinance |
| West Linn | Oregon |
Heritage Tree designation for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance. |
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on most properties. Heritage trees designated separately for exceptional significance. Hillside and sensitive lands overlays add additional restrictions. | Based on tree size category and reason for removal (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | Ordinance |
| West Palm Beach | Florida |
Historic and specimen designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard. |
Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen trees receive enhanced protection. | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved native species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | Ordinance |
| Wilmington | North Carolina |
Heritage designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak, bald cypress, and other designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Wilmington Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 Article III (Trees) and Land Development Code tree preservation standards regulate tree preservation on development sites and establish heritage-tree protection citywide. Protected/regulated trees: ≥8 inches DBH. Heritage trees: live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥24 inch DBH, bald cypress ≥24 inch DBH, and other designated specimen species receive heightened protection. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) buffer-zone rules apply on shoreline-adjacent properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for regulated trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 18 Article III | Ordinance |
| Winston-Salem | North Carolina |
Heritage trees designated by the City Arborist or listed on the Winston-Salem Heritage Tree registry receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required for tree removal on regulated properties. |
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) Chapter E tree preservation standards require tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. The city maintains a Heritage Tree designation for specimen trees of exceptional size, age, or historical significance. Historic District overlays add additional tree protection on regulated properties. | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for heritage trees per UDO Chapter E | Ordinance |
| Yuma | Arizona |
No formal heritage-tree designation. Public trees regulated by Parks and Recreation. |
Yuma Zoning Code landscape standards govern landscape and tree plantings during development review. Regulation is landscape-plan-based rather than a DBH-based private tree removal permit. Lower Colorado River desert plant palette typical. | Landscape-code replacement per Yuma landscape standards (site-specific) | Ordinance |
How heritage tree designations work across cities
- What's the most common DBH threshold for heritage designation?
- Across 49 verified cities in the verified U.S. corpus with a numeric DBH heritage threshold, the median is 24 inches DBH (range 4 inches DBH to 48 inches DBH). The remaining 121 verified cities use case-by-case council/commission designation based on age, historical association, or species rarity.
- Do heritage trees require a special permit?
- Yes — heritage trees in every verified U.S. jurisdiction we've cataloged require a more rigorous removal review than standard protected trees. Heritage status overrides any DBH-based exemption, so even a smaller heritage tree typically requires a removal permit. Many ordinances also require public hearing or notice, mandate replacement at higher ratios (often 2:1 or 3:1 for heritage versus 1:1 for standard), and impose larger penalties for unpermitted removal. Confirm the exact procedure with each city's row below.
- Which cities have the strictest heritage criteria?
- The strictest published DBH triggers in the verified U.S. corpus are Denver, Colorado (4 inches DBH), Simi Valley, California (5 inches DBH), Arvada, Colorado (6 inches DBH) — lower thresholds mean more trees automatically qualify for heritage protection. Cities without a numeric trigger rely on council designation case-by-case.
Documenting a heritage-class tree assessment?
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