Tree Information, Map, and Guide

The South Pasadena City Council amended the Municipal Code to further regulate removal of trees on any property within the City. In addition, regulations have been added to protect mature heritage, native species and oak trees (4 inches in diameter or larger) on any property within the City. Existing tree trimming regulations remain in effect for mature heritage, native species or oak trees.

View City Municipal Code Chapter 34 for complete details on tree regulations.

There must be substantial reason for requesting removal. Trees will typically not be permitted for removal because of limb or root problems. As a condition of the permit, replacement trees must be planted within 90 days of issuance date on the permit. Replacement trees may be planted anywhere on private property.

A permit must be obtained from the City's Public Works Department before any pruning is performed on protected trees.

Learn how to obtain a permit.

To maintain the urban canopy that makes South Pasadena so inviting, the city in 1991 adopted an ordinance which governs removal and replacement of trees. Tree removals are reviewed by the city Public Works Department, which has a certified arborist on staff. When the Department denies a tree removal permit application, residents are free to appeal to the City’s Natural Resources and Environmental Commission (NREC). At times the Department may choose to refer some applications for removal permits for consideration by the NREC, which is a volunteer panel of residents appointed by the City Council that meets once a month.

South Pasadena’s trees are suffering from the drought! To help keep your trees alive and healthy, please water them (think about the cost to replace them). Below are some guidelines to help you determine when, where and how much to water. 
• Water every one to four weeks around the drip-line of the tree (the outer canopy of the leaves).
• Water slowly around the tree to allow water to properly absorb.
• Make sure the water gets into the soil at least two feet. Tree watering stakes are helpful (available at hardware stores).
• Create a moat at the root zone to hold the water and reduce runoff (move mote area out as tree grows).
• One to two deep waterings are much better than many shallow waterings.
• Place 2” to 3” of mulch around the tree (keep it away from the tree trunk). The tree’s leaves are great mulch!
• Remove grass from around the tree so there is no competition for water.