Tree Preservation in San Diego
is an important topic, whether you’re considering tree removal, or you want to safeguard a significant tree for the future. If a tree has been designated a Heritage or Landmark Tree, special protections are in place, and significant penalties are exacted if these trees are removed without a permit.
The History
In 1995, the City of San Diego created a Tree Advisory Board. The main duties of the Tree Advisory Board include advocating and formulating proactive urban forestry policies, ordinances and guidelines to promote the planting of more new trees and to protect existing trees. In 2002, the Tree Advisory Board, now referred to as the Community Forest Advisory Board (CFAB), began working with City staff to draft a policy that would protect community trees with historical value, by allowing for the designation of these trees as heritage and landmark trees. This policy also attempted to set guidelines for replacement of existing public trees and a procedure for saving existing trees.
Click here to read the city’s full policy on Tree Preservation in San Diego.
Information on Heritage and Other Protected Trees
Permanent protection for mature trees on public and private land
Citizens may safeguard inspirational trees for the future by nomination. Tree nominees may be in
public street rights-of-way, in parks or other publicly owned lands including open space, or on
private land restricted by dedicated Open Space Preserves. Non-native or naturalized species
found within Open Space Preserves cannot receive protection. Property owners may also request
protection for trees on their private property
Citizens or community groups may nominate trees that meet any of the following criteria:
Heritage Trees-
• Trunk at least 8 inches in diameter
• 50 years or older
• Connection to a significant historic event, building, district
• Planted by an historically significant individual
• Unique or special in size and/or form
Landmark Tree-
• Striking or unusual trees with high aesthetic value
• Large for the particular species
• Special or unusual form
• Interesting flowers or branching patterns
• Species that are rare to their locations.
Parkway Resource Tree-
• Groups of trees in public right-of-ways, public parking lots or trails
• Consistent design themes with similar sizes, shapes, health and forms
• Create a canopy over a public right-of-way.
Preservation Grove-
• Groups of trees in public right-of-ways, open space, designated environmentally sensitive
lands, conservation easements or parklands
• 6 or more trees with trunks within 100 feet
• Be of the same or similar species and forms
• Be native, naturalized, or surviving without intervention
Click here to access the nomination form:
http://www.sandiego.gov/street-div/pdf/nomform.pdf
The Expert Arborists at Atlas Tree Service can help you navigate the complex world of tree preservation, tree removal permit requests, tree appraisal values, tree protection, replacement trees, mitigation and more.
Reach out to us today by phone:(619) 463-1707, email: hello@atlastree.com or by filling out this form.
