Sacramento Tree Permit FAQs

Navigating Tree Permits in Sacramento: Your FAQs Answered

Welcome to our guide on tree permits in the Sacramento area!

Whether you’re a homeowner, a property manager, or simply a tree enthusiast, understanding the local tree ordinances can sometimes feel like wandering through a dense (urban!) forest. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

Our team of ISA Certified Arborists has compiled a list of our most frequently asked and answered questions to help you navigate the ins and outs of tree permits.

From figuring out if you need a permit to understanding the costs and regulations, we’ve got all the information you need right here.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dig into the world of tree protection in Sacramento! 🌳

Does my tree need a permit? Can you get it for me?

Maybe! But we can help with every step! In the Sacramento and Placer area, the most commonly protected trees that will require a permit to work on (pruning, removal, or work around its root zone), are Native Oaks, street trees, and trees that are especially large (think about 32″ around for most areas). When you meet with one of our ISA Certified Arborists, they’ll be prepared to measure your trees, and be able to answer definitively on which of your trees may need a permit.

While tree ordinances can change and be nuanced, you’ll need a permit to prune or remove a protected tree in the City of Sacramento, Folsom, Loomis, Davis, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, and townships of Sacramento County (Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Carmichael, Natomas, Rio Linda, Elverta, Antelope, and unincorporated Sacramento), and a permit to remove a protected tree anywhere in Sacramento, Yolo, or Placer County (including Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn, Newcastle, Rocklin, Penryn, and Granite Bay).

How much do permits cost?

Tree permits in the Sacramento region usually run around $30-100, depending on the jurisdiction. This is most often for the entirety of the job, so if we’re pruning 2 protected trees, they’ll both be covered under the same permitting fee with your city or county. City Trees within the City of Sacramento require permits, but do not have a fee for that permit.

Can I prune a protected tree myself?

Nope! Tree ordinances require that an ISA Certified Arborist is on site and performing the work on the protected trees. Doing work on a tree protected by a tree ordinance without a permit and/or without those certifications can run you the risk of penalties and big fees.

I live in the City of Sacramento. How do I know if I have a City owned tree, or a privately owned tree?

This is a great question! In the City of Sacramento, there are two types of protected trees – City Trees, and Private Protected Trees. The city owns a number of trees (“City Trees”), often found in the front yards, in green belts, and sidewalk areas of downtown Sacramento neighborhoods. A tree that is not city owned but does fall under the city tree ordinance’s protection is a Private Protected Tree (nicknamed PPT)! These are trees with a large trunk diameter, and trees of any size that are of a species native to our area. So which one do you have? You might even have both! Backyard trees are always privately owned – but protected front yard trees are either City owned or Private Protected. The City of Sacramento’s Urban Forestry Department has created a database of their owned trees, that you can search your property address on, and see if any City Trees are on or around your property!

Why are trees protected?

Tree ordinances are enacted to protect our natural environment from bad actors, overzealous developers, and unskilled people with good intentions. Arborists agree to follow best practices for protected trees, and work with municipal arborists to determine why action like pruning or removal needs to be taken. Tree ordinances may seem like red tape, but are part of a larger picture of truly being stewards for the health of our environment and our communities. Trees that fall under tree ordinances are deemed most valuable to the ecosystem or community – typically that means you’ll see protection for trees that are especially large and mature, street and park trees, and trees whose species are native to the area.

I already have a permit for my trees – can you do the work?

We can! While most of our clients prefer for us to do the administrative footwork for permitting, we can absolutely work under a permit you’ve already received from the city or county, as long as the scope of work that’s permitted is the same, and the permit is still valid. Just let your Arborist know when you meet with them for an estimate!

My neighbor’s tree is protected, but I want to prune branches overhanging my property. Can we do that?

Yep! That’s no problem! We do that often, and it just requires your neighbor’s written permission for pruning the tree (most neighbors are happy to help, and we can answer any questions they have about the pruning as well).

I own (or manage) a commercial property. Do I need a tree permit to have work done on those trees?

Yes! Properties zoned for commercial use and multi-family home properties fall under the same tree ordinances as single family residences in their area, and can sometimes have more stringent requirements for work being performed (think replanting plans when tree removal is needed).

Have more questions or concerns on tree permits? Set up an estimate for tree work with one of our ISA Certified Arborists, or reach out to your city or county’s Urban Forestry Department!